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Sharjah launches Dh2 million Faya Research Grant; eligibility, funding explained
The programme supports high-impact, independent research that strengthens the scientific foundations of the Faya site and positions Sharjah as a global hub for heritage science
- PUBLISHED: Tue 20 Jan 2026, 2:09 PM
- By:
- Salma El Omla
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The Government of Sharjah has launched the Faya Research Grant, a major scientific programme aimed at studying human history and environmental change at the Faya Palaeolandscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Ambassador of the Faya World Heritage Property, announced the grant during the ceremony celebrating Faya’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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The event, held in Sharjah last week, marked a historic milestone, recognising decades of archaeological research that have transformed our understanding of early human life in Arabia.
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Administered by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) in coordination with the Faya World Heritage Property Scientific Committee, the Faya Research Grant will run from 2026 to 2028 with a total investment of Dh2 million.
The programme supports high-impact, independent research that strengthens the scientific foundations of Faya’s Outstanding Universal Value while positioning Sharjah as a global hub for heritage science, prehistoric research, and knowledge production.
Eligibility
The programme welcomes applications from international researchers and institutions. Eligible candidates should hold a doctoral degree, have a strong publication record, and possess experience in prehistoric archaeology or palaeoenvironmental research.
Priority will be given to proposals that involve local researchers and institutions, reflecting Sharjah’s commitment to collaborative and inclusive research.
Applications for the Faya Research Grant, along with full details, can be submitted online via the Jebel Faya Research Grant portal. The deadline is 1 March 2026, with funded projects set to begin later in 2026.
Funding structure
The Faya Research Grant offers three types of support:
Long-term research grant: Three years of funding to study ancient environments and prehistoric human settlements at Faya.
Short-term research grants: Six grants for specialised work in archaeology, palaeoenvironment, digital heritage, and conservation.
Mentoring fellowship for Emirati youth: In partnership with the University of Tübingen, providing training and field experience to build local expertise.
“Through the Faya Research Grant, Sharjah is making a deliberate investment in scientific inquiry itself — in rigorous research, in international collaboration, and in the next generation of researchers. Faya is a place that continues to expand what we know about early human migration, adaptation, and innovation, and this programme ensures that its contribution to global knowledge remains active, credible, and enduring.” said Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Ambassador of the Faya World Heritage Property.
Through this initiative, Sharjah is turning its World Heritage recognition into lasting scientific leadership, transforming the Faya Palaeolandscape into a living laboratory for the training of the next generation of archaeologists and researchers.
