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Building on the success of the inaugural grant scheme in 2023, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE currently under construction on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, have launched the second round of the Zayed National Museum Research Fund. The fund continues to uphold the legacy of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while fostering research into the culture and history of the nation.

The Zayed National Museum Research Fund, with an annual allocation of AED1 million, is one of the most significant funding opportunities in the region. The funding scheme is designed to support new research on a range of aspects of UAE culture, heritage, history, and archaeology – including the enduring impact of Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed and the country’s intangible heritage such as oral traditions, stories, and songs.

With large and small grants available, the funding scheme aims to support both established and early career researchers and bolster a new generation of scholars specialising in the history of the UAE. Applications for the second round of funding are now open, inviting researchers from around the globe to contribute to the preservation, advancement of knowledge and understanding of the UAE’s heritage. Researchers can submit their applications before 20 July 2024, and grants will be announced in November.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprising representatives from Zayed National Museum and DCT Abu Dhabi, as well as external subject matter experts. The research projects will be assessed against criteria such as research methodology, experience, outcomes, and alignment with the museum’s mandate

The success of the inaugural grant scheme is reflected in the diverse pool of recipients, with 10 researchers selected from 77 applicants, representing 19 countries. Their projects shed light on various facets of UAE culture and history, contributing to a rich tapestry of scholarly works. Projects chosen in the inaugural year covered a broad spectrum, including Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed’s societal and cultural influence, historical ties between India and the Arabian Peninsula, and the role of women in Arabian Peninsula trade, among others.

His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "After the resounding success of last year’s funding round, we are delighted to launch the second year of the Zayed National Museum Research Fund. Zayed National Museum is committed to building on the extensive body of scholarship on the rich history of the UAE and supporting both established researchers and those beginning their academic careers. It is an exciting time for research in the UAE, with a new wave of archaeological discovery and academic thinking. We hope this funding opportunity will help researchers follow their curiosity and unlock new understandings about the land and lives of the UAE.”

Interested researchers can learn more by contacting: research@zayednationalmuseum.ae.