Page 95 - MAJRA PR REPORT - MAY 2025

5/7/25, 5:01 PM Latest News
• Applications for the first cycle of this programme will start on May 1, 2025, and grants recipients will be
unveiled in October 2025

Abu Dhabi, May, 6, 2025: The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Zayed University, has launched the
‘Modern Heritage Research Grants’ programme, a strategic initiative aligned with the national efforts to

preserve and promote the UAE’s modern architectural heritage. The programme aims to support and
encourage comprehensive research on the country’s architectural legacy from the 1960s through the 1990s

and is endorsed by the ‘Sustainable Impact’ seal from Majra – the National CSR Fund.

The programme will award up to 20 grants to individuals, researchers, and enthusiasts who will critically

examine the UAE’s modern architecture and its regional connections. By fostering research, the initiative
seeks to fill key knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and strengthen collaboration between academic

institutions and the wider community.

H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, said: “The Modern Heritage Research

Grants programme represents a key component of our national strategy to preserve and safeguard modern
architectural heritage, which serves as a bridge connecting the past with the future. Our partnership with

Zayed University underscores our commitment to promoting robust research into the architectural history of
the pivotal era from the 1960s through the 1990s. By doing so, we seek to uncover the cultural and artistic

layers that have shaped our national identity.”

H.E. further added: “These grants are designed to encourage rigorous research and creativity to interpret our
heritage with critical awareness and connect it to regional and global architectural movements. By
empowering talented individuals, we aim to fill knowledge gaps and transform archival material into a living

resource that informs and inspires future generations.”

The programme encompasses two primary research categories – creative and academic. Creative research
includes the production of films, illustrations, materials, and photographic works highlighting architectural

characteristics of this period. Meanwhile, academic research supports the development of written works that
explore various aspects of the country's modern architectural heritage. Grants are available under multiple

categories, including the Modern Heritage Research Grants and Modern Heritage Research Fellowship.

Researchers, practitioners, academics, and individuals interested in the UAE’s modern architectural heritage

can apply for this programme, open to both UAE residents or non-residents. Each project must be completed
within a six-month timeframe, as outlined in the application guidelines. Grants of up to AED 50,000 will be

awarded per proposal.

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