Researchers invited to apply for Dh1 million Zayed National Museum heritage fund
Grants support heritage, archaeology and oral history
ABU DHABI – Researchers from across the globe can now apply for the 2026 edition of the Zayed National Museum Research Fund, a Dh1 million initiative supporting projects that deepen understanding of the UAE’s heritage, culture and history, as well as that of the wider region.
Applications are open until August 20, with grants available to both established academics and early-career researchers.
Now in its fourth year, the fund continues to back ambitious research that contributes to preserving, advancing and sharing knowledge about the UAE’s rich cultural legacy. Inspired by the values of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the programme seeks to encourage rigorous scholarship while promoting innovation, resilience and international collaboration.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Zayed National Museum Research Fund.
— متحف زايد الوطني (@znmuae) July 2, 2026
The programme supports research that advances knowledge of the UAE's heritage, culture and the wider region, helping preserve and deepen our understanding of the stories that shape our past.
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Who can apply
The Research Fund offers both large and small grants, making it accessible to researchers at different stages of their careers. It is designed for scholars whose work contributes to a greater understanding of the UAE’s heritage and culture while exploring its historical links with neighbouring regions.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprising representatives from Zayed National Museum, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and external subject matter experts. Proposed projects will be assessed on factors including research methodology, the applicant’s experience, expected outcomes and how closely the work aligns with the museum’s research priorities.
Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the fund has continued to attract leading researchers from around the world, each bringing fresh perspectives to the story of the UAE, its cultural identity and heritage.
He said the diversity of supported projects reflects the broader ambition of establishing Zayed National Museum as a world-class research institution that promotes cultural scholarship and knowledge exchange. By supporting new research and international partnerships, he added, the initiative helps strengthen the UAE’s cultural infrastructure while ensuring its heritage remains relevant and influential for future generations.
Research themes
The 2026 Research Fund focuses on several priority areas that reflect the museum’s wider mission.
Among the key themes is research exploring the life and achievements of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his role in shaping the UAE’s social, cultural and economic development. Researchers are also encouraged to investigate the archaeology and history of the UAE through archaeological fieldwork, laboratory analysis and archive-based studies.
Another major area is the UAE’s intangible heritage, including oral history projects that preserve living memories, traditions, songs and stories from the country’s recent past.
The programme also welcomes proposals examining the archaeology and history of the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia, including Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, with particular emphasis on the historical connections and exchanges between these regions and the UAE from prehistoric times through the modern era.
In addition to research projects, the fund also supports conferences and invited lectures centred on these priority themes.
According to Dr Peter Magee, Director of Zayed National Museum, research lies at the heart of the institution’s mission.
He said the museum leads research across disciplines including archaeology, conservation science, oral history and intangible heritage. This work is supported by specialised in-house facilities such as conservation laboratories, a digitalisation studio and multispectral imaging technology.
One example is the Magan Boat project, developed in collaboration with Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi. The initiative reconstructed a Bronze Age seafaring vessel using evidence from a cuneiform tablet held in the museum’s own collection, highlighting the UAE’s role in early long-distance trade networks.
Dr Magee said the Research Fund extends that same spirit of inquiry by inviting scholars worldwide to contribute to an expanding body of knowledge about the UAE and the wider region.
The initiative has already demonstrated a broad international reach. During the 2023 and 2024 funding cycles, the Research Fund supported 18 projects led by researchers from China, Egypt, India, Italy, Oman, Poland, the UAE, the UK and the USA.
The supported studies covered a wide range of disciplines and topics, including the rock art of southern and eastern Arabia, the deep archaeological history of the Al Ain Oasis, and research examining the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed and its continuing influence on UAE society and culture.
How to apply
Researchers interested in applying for the 2026 Zayed National Museum Research Fund can submit their applications before August 20 through the museum’s online application portal.