The Zayed National Museum has revealed the recipients of its 2024 Research Fund, designed to support projects that delve into the rich history, culture, and heritage of the UAE.
Out of 79 applicants, eight researchers from a diverse range of countries, including the UAE, Italy, India, and the United States, were selected to receive the grants. A panel of experts reviewed the applications, which span a variety of disciplines and topics aimed at deepening the understanding of both the UAE and the wider region. These include studies on organic residue analysis, an encyclopedia of the UAE’s native trees, modern architecture and landmarks, pottery use, and a digital preservation project for petroglyphs in the UAE.
Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, emphasized, “Zayed National Museum’s Research Fund exemplifies Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to learning about our past and fostering knowledge of the region’s history and culture. The Research Fund not only supports researchers but also contributes to preserving the rich tangible and intangible heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Through these diverse research projects, the Research Fund spans a variety of topics which will shed new light on the deep history and culture of the United Arab Emirates and broader region.”
Dr. Peter Magee, Director of Zayed National Museum, added, “This Research Fund is one of the many ways Zayed National Museum is supporting research into the culture and heritage of the UAE and the wider region. Following the success of last year’s inaugural round of funding, we’re proud to announce the new cohort of researchers. We were very impressed with the applications, which represent a wide range of specialisms – from archaeology and architecture to Sheikh Zayed’s lasting legacy. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the recipients, and I look forward to hearing about the outcomes of their research.”
The Zayed National Museum Research Fund, with an annual budget of AED 1 million, is one of the most prominent research funding opportunities in the region.
The 2024 awardees include:
- Dr. Fatema Al Mazroui (UAE): Head of the Historical Archives Department at the National Library and Archives, for her project on the history of formal education in Abu Dhabi through the study of Qasr Al Hosn documents (1957-1966).
- Fatema Al Shehhi & Hessa Al Shehhi (UAE): From the Department of Antiquities and Museums, Ras Al Khaimah, for their research on reconstructing the history, technology, and uses of pottery through the study of pottery shards from Ras Al Khaimah archaeological sites.
- Marwan AlFalasi (UAE): Working on an illustrated book compiling an encyclopaedia of native trees in the UAE, detailing perennial and annual trees.
- Dr. Khaled Alawadi (UAE): For his project on transnational heritage, focusing on mapping the UAE’s modern architecture and contemporary landmarks.
- Dr. Michele Degli Esposti (Italy): Associate Professor at the Institute for Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures, Polish Academy of Sciences, researching life and death in Southeast Arabia during the second millennium BC through the Abraq Research Project.
- Dr. Akshyeta Suryanarayan (India): Gerald Averay Wainwright Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Cambridge, examining long-term vessel use in southeastern Arabia through organic residue analysis.
- Prof. Yasser Elsheshtawy (USA): Adjunct Professor at Columbia University, conducting a typo-morphological study of the UAE National House, titled “Zayed’s Gift to the People.”
- Dr. William Zimmerle (USA): Senior Lecturer at New York University Abu Dhabi, leading a project on the digital preservation of petroglyphs in the UAE as part of the Rock Art of Southern and Eastern Arabia initiative.
Launched in 2023, the Zayed National Museum Research Fund aims to advance the understanding of the UAE’s cultural and historical legacy. This initiative is in line with the museum’s mission to honor the contributions of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and to establish the museum as a leading research institution focused on the history and culture of the UAE from ancient times to the present day.
