News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Zayed National Museum have proudly announced the launch of the second round of the Zayed National Museum Research Fund. This initiative, building on the success of its inaugural grant scheme in 2023, continues to honor the enduring legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The fund, with an annual allocation of AED1 million, stands as one of the most significant funding opportunities in the region, dedicated to fostering research into the culture and history of the nation.
Designed to support a wide array of research endeavors, the fund welcomes proposals exploring various facets of UAE culture, heritage, history, and archaeology. Embracing the intangible heritage of the nation, such as oral traditions, stories, and songs, the scheme strives to nurture a deeper understanding of the UAE’s rich tapestry of traditions and customs.
With both large and small grants available, the fund aims to provide support to both established and early career researchers, nurturing a new generation of scholars specializing in the history of the UAE. Applications for the second round of funding are now open, inviting researchers from across the globe to contribute to the preservation and advancement of knowledge surrounding the UAE’s heritage. The deadline for submissions is set for July 20, 2024, with the announcement of grant recipients scheduled for November.
A panel comprising representatives from the Zayed National Museum and DCT Abu Dhabi, along with external subject matter experts, will review the applications. Projects will be assessed based on various criteria, including research methodology, experience, outcomes, and alignment with the museum’s mandate.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural grant scheme, which saw 10 researchers selected from 77 applicants representing 19 countries, His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed his delight at launching the second year of the Zayed National Museum Research Fund. He emphasized the museum’s commitment to advancing scholarly endeavors pertaining to the rich history of the UAE, while providing support to researchers at all stages of their careers. Al Hosani noted the exciting period of research unfolding in the UAE, marked by new archaeological discoveries and academic insights, and expressed hopes that this funding opportunity would further stimulate curiosity and uncover new understandings about the land and lives of the UAE.
