The Ministry of Culture, in partnership with Zayed University, has launched the Modern Heritage Research Grants programme to support research into the UAE’s architectural legacy from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The initiative aims to preserve and promote the country’s modern architectural heritage through up to 20 research grants. Open to researchers, academics, and creatives, the programme offers funding of up to AED50,000 per project and welcomes both residents and non-residents. All selected projects must be completed within six months.
Supported by Majra’s ‘Sustainable Impact’ seal, the programme is a national effort to close knowledge gaps, foster community engagement, and highlight the cultural value of modern architecture in the UAE.
Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, called the grants a “key component” of the UAE’s heritage strategy.
“By uncovering the artistic and cultural layers of this era, we aim to connect the past with the future and inspire generations,”
he said.
The programme supports two research streams: academic and creative. Academic work may include historical studies or analytical papers, while creative outputs can range from films and photography to illustrations and other visual media showcasing architecture from the period.
Submissions, including those adapted from master’s theses, must be based on original and well-founded research. Applications open on 1st May 2025 and close on 31st July, with successful candidates to be announced in October.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
