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UAE: Up to Dh100,000 grant for Emiratis preserving culture, heritage projects
All projects must align with UAE customs, values, and ethics while promoting national identity and cultural heritage, according to the Ministry of Culture
- PUBLISHED: Tue 8 Jul 2025, 12:04 PM
The UAE Ministry of Culture has launched the fourth cycle of its National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity, introducing a new documentation and archiving category worth up to Dh100,000 as part of expanded efforts to preserve the nation's cultural heritage.
The enhanced programme, accepting applications until August 31, 2025, now offers five distinct grant categories supporting Emirati creatives across seven fields, marking significant growth since the initiative's launch three years ago.
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The newly added Documentation and Archiving Grant enables creatives to document traditional practices, oral histories, and cultural artefacts.
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The creation and production grant remains the programme's flagship offering, providing up to Dh100,000 to finance artistic and creative works in film, music, performances, visual arts, literature, video games, and cultural heritage projects.
Supporting creatives' professional development, the promotion and local participation grant offers up to Dh80,000 to support project distribution, publication, and participation in local cultural events and opportunities.
The capacity development grant, capped at Dh50,000, continues supporting learning opportunities including short courses, residencies, and specialised training from recognised institutions to enhance creative skills and talent.
International representation receives backing through the travel and mobility grant of up to Dh50,000, covering costs for creatives participating in global events while representing the UAE on international platforms.
The programme targets both emerging and established Emirati creative professionals, requiring applicants to hold academic credentials in their relevant creative field or demonstrate at least three years of professional experience with a strong track record.
Eligibility extends to Emirati citizens and children of Emirati mothers aged 18 and above, with exceptional younger talents considered based on demonstrated ability. All projects must align with UAE customs, values, and ethics while promoting national identity and cultural heritage.
The application process requires online registration through the Ministry of Culture's website, with applicants providing comprehensive project details, budgets, timelines, and supporting materials before agreeing to programme terms and conditions.
Applications are limited to one grant category per submission, with budget proposals required to align with category ceilings. The ministry encourages integrating Sustainable Development Goals and eco-friendly practices to enhance evaluation prospects.
The programme enters its fourth cycle with applications open through the Ministry of Culture's online portal until August 31, 2025.
Ahmed Waqqas Alawlaqi is the youngest Special Correspondent, reporting from Abu Dhabi on youth, AI and innovation, and human-interest stories. His work brings exclusive perspectives from the Capital, highlighting voices that shape the UAE's future.
