Dubai Culture Launches Research Grant Programme to Explore Emirati Heritage

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has introduced the Etihad Museum Research Grant Programme, aimed at fostering innovative studies on Emirati history, culture, and identity.

This initiative invites the creative and academic communities to contribute to developing new content that enriches the research landscape and enhances understanding of the UAE.

The programme, part of the Etihad Museum Cultural Season, seeks to leverage the museum’s extensive archive, which includes historical artifacts and photography documenting the UAE's formation between 1968 and 1974. This collection highlights the achievements of the founding fathers and preserves their legacy.

Dubai Culture encourages Emirati and UAE-based researchers, academics, and creatives to submit proposals that reflect original ideas related to the nation’s history and identity. Selected proposals will be integrated into the narratives at the Etihad Museum, positioning it as a vital knowledge hub for education and research on local heritage.

Applications are open until December 20, after which a panel of experts will evaluate submissions based on their alignment with museum objectives and scholarly value. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed prior to the announcement of grant recipients.

Muna Faisal Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized the importance of the Etihad Museum as a cultural platform. She stated that the Research Grant Programme has the potential to transform museums into centers of knowledge, allowing researchers to explore the complexities of national identity and enrich the historical narrative of the UAE.

The evaluation criteria will assess the relevance of research to Emirati identity, the contribution of new ideas, and the researcher’s capability to engage audiences effectively while activating museum spaces.

News Source: Dubai Media Office