Abu Dhabi: The Zayed National Museum, the upcoming national museum of the UAE situated on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, has revealed its commitment to promoting research on the rich culture and history of the UAE, as well as the enduring legacy of the esteemed late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the visionary founding father of the UAE. In a significant announcement, the museum has allocated an impressive annual budget of $272,250 (AED 1 million) to support scholarly endeavors in these areas. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting initiative.
Funding priorities for the grants include research into the role of Sheikh Zayed in driving social, cultural, and economic impact, the history and archaeology of the UAE, and the country’s intangible heritage including oral history of traditions, stories, and songs. The grants will also focus on the UAE’s engagement with other countries within the Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean world from prehistory to the recent past.
The funding scheme aims to support both large and small grants, serving to further the research ecosystem in the UAE and empower a new generation of scholars. Researchers may apply until 15th July 2023, and grants will be announced in September 2023. The funding is renewable for up to three consecutive years.
Dr. Peter Magee, Director of Zayed National Museum, stated that, “This fund reaffirms our commitment to researching and promoting UAE culture, history, and heritage by inspiring both established and junior researchers to dig deep, discover and share the UAE’s story with the world. We are excited to share this opportunity to all researchers who are interested in contributing to knowledge creation and exploring the enduring impact of Sheikh Zayed on the country he founded and the entire region.”
Applications will be reviewed by a panel compromising representatives from Zayed National Museum and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, as well as external subject matter experts, who will base decisions on criteria including the applicant’s research methodology, experience, outcomes, and relevance to the museum’s mandate.
The construction of Zayed National Museum has achieved significant milestones, including the completion of its unique wing structures. The distinctive atria are designed to represent the wings of a falcon, a symbol of the UAE’s national heritage – indicative of the way UAE culture and heritage are interwoven into the essence of the museum.