Zayed National Museum announces recipients of AED1m research fund

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Zayed National Museum has chosen the winners of its 2024 Research Fund. This fund gives money to researchers who study the history, culture, and traditions of the United Arab Emirates. There were 79 people who wanted the grant, but only eight were picked. These winners come from the UAE, Italy, India, and the USA.

A group of experts looked at all the applications and chose the best ones. The projects will help people learn more about the UAE and its past. The research topics include studying old pottery, making a book about native trees in the UAE, learning about the country's famous buildings, and saving old rock carvings by using digital technology.

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His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, who is the Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, said that this fund follows the vision of Sheikh Zayed. Sheikh Zayed always wanted people to learn about history and culture. The Research Fund helps researchers and also protects the rich heritage of the UAE. He added that these new studies will show more about the deep history of the country and its people.

Dr. Peter Magee, who is the Director of Zayed National Museum, said this fund is one of many ways the museum is helping research about the UAE. He said last year’s fund was very successful, and now they are happy to support new researchers. He was pleased with the different subjects chosen, like archaeology, architecture, and the history of Sheikh Zayed’s leadership. He congratulated the winners and said he was excited to see what they discover.

This Research Fund gives a total of AED 1 million every year. The money is shared among different projects. It is one of the biggest funds for research in this region. The selected projects are very interesting. One researcher will study how schools started in Abu Dhabi between 1957 and 1966 using old documents from Qasr Al Hosn. Another will look at broken pottery found in Ras Al Khaimah to understand how people made and used pots in the past. One winner will make a full book about trees that grow naturally in the UAE, with pictures and details about each one. Another will study modern buildings in the UAE and how they have changed over time.

Other researchers include a professor from Italy who will study life and death in Southeast Arabia more than 3,000 years ago. A researcher from India will check old pots for remains of food and drink to understand how people used them long ago. A professor from the USA will study the UAE National House, an important part of Sheikh Zayed’s plan for the country’s homes. Another professor from the USA will lead a digital project to save old rock carvings in the UAE and study similar carvings in other parts of the Arabian region.

The Zayed National Museum Research Fund started in 2023 to help people learn more about the UAE’s history and culture. It also follows the museum’s mission to honor Sheikh Zayed and his efforts to build a strong and knowledgeable country. The museum wants to become a place where people can trust the information about the UAE’s past, from ancient times until today.