Faya World Heritage Research Grant UAE 2026–2028

About the Grant

The Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Research Grant 2026–2028 is a prestigious international funding programme led by the Government of Sharjah and administered by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA). The grant supports high-quality, independent research that advances scientific understanding of the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Property, a site of outstanding global significance for deep-time human history and environmental change. With a strong focus on prehistoric archaeology, palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, digital heritage modelling, and heritage conservation, the programme encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Funding is available for both short-term and long-term research projects, alongside a dedicated mentoring fellowship for Emirati youth. The programme aligns with international research priorities in heritage science, capacity building, and sustainable knowledge production across the Arabian Peninsula.

Grant Details

Grant Name: Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Research Grant
Funding Agency/Institution: Sharjah Archaeology Authority
Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Research Field(s): Prehistoric Archaeology, Palaeoenvironmental Studies, Digital Heritage, Heritage Conservation
Grant Type: Project-based Research Grant and Fellowship Programme
Project Duration: Short-term projects and up to 3 years for long-term research
Funding Amount: Total budget AED 2,000,000 (2026–2028)
Grant Start Date (Expected): 2026
Mode of Research: Individual and Collaborative (Local–International Teams)
Application Type: Open Call

Research Areas Supported

Prehistoric archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula
Palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic reconstruction
Deep-time human occupation and mobility studies
Digital heritage modelling and 3D documentation
Heritage conservation and site management
Archaeological datasets supporting Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

Academic Qualifications: PhD in a relevant discipline
Career Stage: Postdoctoral to senior researchers
Nationality/Residency: Open to all nationalities
Affiliation Requirements: Must hold an institutional affiliation
Experience Level: Proven research and fieldwork experience in relevant areas

Preferred Qualifications

Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
Experience leading interdisciplinary field projects
Expertise in managing archaeological or environmental datasets
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with local institutions

Not Eligible

Projects that are continuations or sub-projects of existing international research programmes
Proposals lacking independent research outcomes attributed to the Faya Grant

Grant Benefits

Funding Support: Research costs, specialised analyses, technical outputs, and publications
Travel Allowance: Fieldwork and research-related travel as approved
Lab/Research Material Costs: Covered where relevant
Collaborative Research Funding: Encouraged through joint local–international teams
Publication or Dissemination Support: Peer-reviewed outputs and datasets
Host Institution Support: Infrastructure and logistics provided by Sharjah Archaeology Authority
Professional Development Opportunities: Mentoring and training for Emirati and locally based researchers

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent, high-quality research aligned with the objectives of the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Property
Deliver original research outcomes that contribute to the scientific understanding of the site
Produce peer-reviewed publications and high-quality research datasets
Actively engage with local research teams, specialists, and institutions
Mentor early-career researchers and Emirati youth, where applicable
Ensure compliance with ethical, scientific, and institutional standards
Submit regular progress reports and a final project report in line with programme guidelines