Grant Recipients Cycle 4 2025

A collected and verified edition of the Diwan (poetry collection) of the poet Humaid bin Thibyan Al Falasi, one of the renowned poets of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. I will briefly introduce him in these lines: Humaid bin Thibyan Al Falasi was born in the Al Ras area of Dubai in 1947. He completed his secondary education in Bahrain and began his professional life as a teacher. Shortly afterward, he joined the Dubai Customs Department, where he served for 35 years, retiring as Assistant Director General in 2002. He later worked as a consultant for the Coast and Border Guard, retiring two years later in 2004, thus closing the chapter on his professional career.

“Postcards from Ras Al Khaimah” is a creative-research project that blends poetry, photography, translation, and tribal memory, exploring the oral, musical, and linguistic culture of the Shihuh tribe in the Musandam mountains. The project approaches this culture from both personal and academic perspectives and includes a 242-page printed book featuring multi-genre texts with archival and family photographs, as well as over 25 postcards drawn from personal and tribal archives.

The project is a comprehensive documentation of all the visits made by Sheikh Zayed to the Al Dhafra region, providing detailed descriptions supported by photographs and references from books and magazines. The work was published under the title “Sheikh Zayed’s Visits to the Al Dhafra Region” in a limited, deluxe edition sponsored by the author. It received admiration and praise from prominent figures, foremost among them H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi for the Al Dhafra Region.

“A documentary book tracing the journey of artist Mohammed Al-Ostad from his beginnings to the present, highlighting the key milestones that shaped his artistic experience. The book aims to showcase his pioneering role in the Emirati visual arts scene and to shed light on works that reflect his identity and creative vision. It also includes testimonials and archival photographs that contribute to presenting a comprehensive view of his artistic path. This book serves as a reference documenting the achievements of an artist who helped shape the contours of modern Emirati art.”

This documentary book explores the architectural transformations of Abu Dhabi during the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on the reign of Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan as a foundational period toward modernity. It documents and analyzes the early projects carried out by foreign consultants and British planning firms, relying on archival and field research. The study sheds light on the emergence of Abu Dhabi’s architectural identity before the oil boom, through significant buildings such as Qasr Al Hosn, the old airport, and public housing developments. This research represents an innovative contribution to the documentation of Emirati architecture, utilizing British archival materials to reconstruct the early urban landscape of the city.

Arab Emirates from its formation to the present day, through analyzing the role of arts, crafts, and cultural practices in shaping its features. It adopts a multidisciplinary research approach that includes historical study, visual analysis, and fieldwork to explore continuity and change in visual symbols. Its outputs include a bilingual digital platform and a comprehensive visual archive, in addition to a printed book of 500 copies. The project aspires to serve as a rigorous scholarly and cultural reference that supports education, fosters creativity, and preserves

This project fuses Emirati folklore with literary imagination to create a contemporary novel that revives characters from traditional scary folk tales, while highlighting the grandmother’s role as a source of wisdom and moral values. The narrative blends ancient oral storytelling with a modern plot connected to environmental, social, and cultural sustainability. Its target audience includes youth and young adults, Emirati and Gulf families, and global readers, as well as cultural and educational institutions. The project contributes to revitalizing heritage in a contemporary style, expanding creative industries, and empowering women’s presence in Emirati cultural storytelling.

“The ‘Portrayal of Emirati Women in Drama’ project aims to analyze the representation of women in local dramatic works and to compare these portrayals with the social and cultural reality. The project includes content analysis of TV series, interviews with drama creators, as well as discussion sessions with audiences and stakeholders. It targets content creators, researchers, and organizations involved in women’s empowerment. The project seeks to promote balanced representation of women in drama and to encourage conscious artistic production that reflects Emirati identity.”

This doctoral research traces the emergence and development of theater in the United Arab Emirates through folk arts and traditional professions, documenting both the pre-union and post-union stages. It highlights the late Sheikh Zayed’s role in supporting the theatrical movement, as well as the contributions of society and official entities in establishing school theater and local theater troupes. The study also documents local and international participations, biographies of pioneers, and the impact of theater on Emirati society. Its significance lies in the scarcity of theatrical references, making it a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts.

The book Kharareef is a folkloric short story collection inspired by Emirati popular heritage, aimed at children, adolescents, and youth. It blends imagination with cultural awareness to reinforce traditions, positive values, and to address socially unacceptable behaviors. The book stands out for presenting authentic Emirati content through a contemporary visual style inspired by manga, while documenting and explaining more than 1,264 Emirati terms—some of which are unfamiliar to the current generation. It represents a valuable addition to the Emirati creative sector, contributing to the preservation of national identity and bridging heritage with modern artistic trends.

An art residency for artists and writers, offering participants the opportunity to live and work within a community rich in local heritage and culture. The residency provides equipped studios, comfortable accommodation, and educational workshops led by local artists and artisans, promoting environmentally sustainable practices. One of its main programs focuses on traditional textile techniques, where participants learn backstrap loom weaving, natural dyeing with cochineal and indigo, and Mexican embroidery, while being encouraged to experiment artistically. The experience serves as a space for cultural exchange, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expression, creating an ideal environment for personal and artistic development.

A two-week art residency with Vertygo Art Residency in collaboration with OOM Glass in Italy, followed by an intensive two-week workshop at the Pilchuck Glass School in the United States. These experiences will enable the artist to become one of the first Emiratis formally specialized in glass art as a contemporary medium, opening new avenues for creative practices in the UAE. The project aims to establish a new cultural practice that merges global expertise with local vision, contributing to the development of the UAE’s cultural sector through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and diversity in the arts.

A multidimensional artistic and research project presented as both an exhibition and publication, exploring the concept of time through nature and sensory observation, away from traditional mechanical measurement. The artist develops solar instruments and natural indicators of time inspired by ancient practices, reimagined in new artistic forms. The project includes a research and experimentation phase leading to a publication that combines poetry and reflections, and an exhibition featuring the time-measuring devices. It aims to reconsider mechanical time and highlight the cyclical relationship between humans and nature.

his project presents a series of contemporary sculptural models inspired by the transformations of architecture and the evolution of urban spaces. The works focus on the interaction between material, void, and visual memory, using materials such as wood, metal, and resin. The project draws on architectural concepts, reshaping them through modern techniques and artistic approaches, offering a space for reflection on the relationship between art, architecture, and memory.

An art residency focusing on experimentation and cultural exchange, expanding the scope of artistic practice. It emphasizes process-based and material-driven approaches, particularly through textiles and painting, while exploring sculptural forms responsive to the local environment. Participants engage with local life and traditions, integrating these cultural influences into their artistic research and future projects in the UAE.

A multimedia project exploring the hidden transformation from rock to sand in the UAE’s natural landscapes. It combines fieldwork, archival material, sculpture, and installation art to document the relationship between natural rhythms and human experience of memory and trace. The outcomes include sculptural works made from Emirati sand, an artistic publication blending research and poetry, and a short film documenting the creative process. The project begins with field research in coastal and inland areas such as Sir Bani Yas and Fujairah, emphasizing respect for natural processes and linking scientific observation with artistic reflection—inspiring a deeper appreciation of nature and embedded history.

An art residency aimed at merging traditional Japanese woodworking crafts with Emirati design and storytelling. The project seeks to acquire fine Japanese craftsmanship skills and integrate them with Emirati cultural elements in furniture and sculpture design, inspired by the forms and textures of Mount Fuji, while preserving the warmth and legacy of Emirati design traditions.

Inspired by the historical significance of dhow boats in the United Arab Emirates, this project reflects the cultural and economic role these vessels played in shaping the region. The collection consists of a coffee table and a side table, reinterpreting the dhow’s structure through sculptural form and materiality. Crafted from stained polished oak, painted wood, and marble inlays, the pieces celebrate the UAE’s maritime heritage, translating it into a contemporary design language. The contrast between the warmth of wood and the depth of polished lacquer symbolizes the dialogue between the sea and the dhow, reflecting their enduring relationship.

A cultural program that celebrates the Arabic language as a unifying home for all Arabs. It aims to strengthen the shared cultural identity and revive the Arab spirit by highlighting the role of language in shaping thought, preserving history, and engaging with architecture and contemporary heritage.

An innovative film set in Abu Dhabi, blending horror, comedy, and social satire. The story unfolds in an ordinary supermarket that suddenly descends into chaos after a zombie outbreak. The film combines fast-paced action and humor drawn from local culture, reflecting the diversity of Emirati society through multicultural characters. Despite its comedic tone, it carries a deeper message about courage, community spirit, and the absurdity of modern digital life.

A documentary project that traces the evolution of language in Emirati society over centuries, through a visual narrative that interweaves oral history with living environments — people, nature, and animals. The film explores language use in daily life — from greetings and work to customs and celebrations — while highlighting the human, natural, and technological sounds that have shaped the Emirati collective memory and linguistic identity over time.

The program explores the wonders and curiosities of the UAE and the Gulf region, taking viewers to unfamiliar places that reveal astonishing aspects of local heritage and culture. From mysterious caves to ancient markets and folk legends, the show presents thrilling adventures with an authentic Gulf spirit. It offers an engaging blend of knowledge and excitement, celebrating Gulf identity in an innovative and captivating format.

Behind the Door is a psychological short drama exploring isolation and social detachment through a fragile connection between a reclusive young man and an elderly woman living alone. Set within a confined residential space, the story unfolds in a world charged with tension, confusion, and suppressed longing for connection. The film relies on slow, deliberate pacing and carefully constructed sound and visuals, where every sound and small detail becomes part of the film’s emotional language.

A short film that is part of a larger project comprising a collection of short films inspired by renowned artworks. It blends dark drama with visual symbolism, drawing inspiration from Marina Abramović’s artwork Rhythm 0. The story follows a desperate employee trapped in a monotonous and demoralizing work environment, who is presented with an unusual opportunity through a mysterious app that grants him 15 minutes of absolute freedom, free of any rules. During the experience, he moves between luxurious and chaotic worlds, but the adventure quickly turns into an internal confrontation that exposes his true fragility and leaves him facing a fundamental question: can he escape from himself? The film combines social critique of excessive work culture and the consumerist rhythm of contemporary life, employing a strong visual language, contrasting environments, and touches of absurdity and glitch art to deepen the experience.

The project aims to innovate and design mythical characters inspired by Emirati folk tales, to be showcased at Bayt Al-Kharareef—the first and most prominent destination dedicated to documenting and bringing heritage stories to life in the UAE. The project will rely on an in-depth study of local “Kharareef” (folk characters), transforming them into visual models and creative sculptures while preserving their authenticity and adding contemporary artistic touches to make them more appealing to younger generations.

Production of a comprehensive national guide documenting all museums in the UAE, covering their types, geographical distribution, specializations, and historical development. This project aims to fill the knowledge gap in museum documentation and strengthen the informational infrastructure that serves researchers, cultural enthusiasts, and practitioners in the cultural and tourism sectors.

This book addresses the importance of studying tangible heritage in preserving national identity, focusing on the scholarly value of the terminology related to jewelry, adornments, and traditional clothing. It provides a theoretical framework on lexicography and the concept of adornment, highlighting its role in shaping Emirati cultural identity across different regions. The dictionary includes detailed entries of jewelry, adornments, and clothing, supported by examples, images, and materials used, as well as the associated rituals and occasions. The book concludes with a chapter on embroidery and ornamentation and a comprehensive list of sources and references, making it a rich reference for researchers and heritage enthusiasts.

An illustrated educational series for young readers aimed at documenting Emirati heritage in a simplified and visually engaging manner that strengthens national identity. The series consists of five books covering traditional professions, popular games, forts and castles, traditional clothing, and interactive heritage-related activities. It targets children aged 8 to 12, as well as teachers, educational centers, and museums. This series represents a valuable addition to national curricula and modern education, filling a gap in Emirati children’s literature with comprehensive cultural and interactive content.

The Ahmed Al-Matoua Museum of Emirati Memories project aims to document and preserve the nation’s memory through coins, banknotes, rare postal stamps, and heritage artifacts reflecting the UAE’s journey from pre-union times to the present. The project utilizes the latest augmented reality technologies to provide an interactive experience, enabling visitors to explore detailed three-dimensional images of landmarks depicted on coins and stamps and hear their historical and cultural stories.

The project aims to document and preserve modern heritage buildings in the UAE (1960–1990) through professional photography and videography, creating an advanced digital archive using the EditShare EFS210 storage system and AI tools for content classification and metadata tagging. The archive provides organized and intelligent access for researchers, educators, architects, and the creative sector, enhancing research, education, and artistic production. The project contributes to protecting national architectural identity and offers an innovative model at the intersection of heritage and technology, with sustainable mechanisms to ensure its long-term continuity.

A family-friendly theatrical work that tells the story of a group of cats living in a city full of challenges. It addresses themes of ambition and frustration by exploring the personal and social conflicts faced by the cats in an entertaining way aligned with Emirati cultural identity. The play aims to instill social values suitable for families and society while creatively engaging youth and teenagers. It also seeks to prepare the new generation for careers in the artistic and media fields.

“Keys of Grandfather Sultan” is an Emirati children’s play that combines heritage and imagination in a live interactive performance. The story follows Grandfather Sultan as he guides children on a journey from the digital distraction world to a space of values and belonging, using storytelling as a bridge between generations. The play uses visual projections and direct interaction to make children an active part of the story, sparking their curiosity. The project aims to strengthen Emirati identity in a contemporary style suitable for festivals and schools, contributing to the development of Emirati children’s theatre.

A dramatic play filled with mystery, centered on Fatima, an elderly Emirati woman with a long medical history, who collapses one day amid piles of medications. Her family relies on doctors’ prescriptions, dismissing her objections as “obsessive” or “demented.” But what if Fatima is the only one seeing the truth? Through scenes blending realism with abstraction, Fatima enters a surreal world within a healthcare system that grows more intelligent but loses human memory. The play features AI-driven medical devices designed to monitor every heartbeat and movement, making decisions independently, while exploring the ethical dilemmas versus the family’s slow understanding.

This play explores human values in a world where people have become commodities, valuable only as long as they meet health “standards.” The performance examines the concept that everything has a value and an expiration date, beyond which humans risk becoming worthless. The narrative addresses material and moral values and their reflection on human life, presenting an existential and social critique within a darkly comic framework aimed at thoughtful audiences.

The RadMan Experiment project is a multimedia creative world that uses music as a primary platform to integrate storytelling and art, with a forward-looking vision extending to animation and comic books. The project features diverse musical styles adapted to each story, providing an artistic experience that combines music and cinematic imagination within a cohesive narrative framework. It targets youth and fans of innovative arts in the UAE and beyond, inspiring the next generation of Emirati creatives. The project also reinforces the UAE’s position as an authentic source of global culture, capable of competing and innovating internationally.

“A purely Emirati musical piece that blends traditional rhythms with global melodies. The project aims to present a musical expression reflecting the spirit of coexistence and innovation in the UAE, through a fusion of authenticity and modernity. The work draws on the sounds of Al-Ayyala, Al-Razfa, and Al-Nadba, accompanied by Western instruments, embodying the harmony of heritage with contemporary elements, the desert with the city, and the past with the future.”

A card-based group game designed for the local community, tourists, and visitors, featuring content rooted in Emirati culture, customs, and traditions. The game incorporates values such as hospitality, greetings, honoring guests, generosity, family, and legendary characters passed down by elders through folklore, such as Umm Al-Dwees and Bu Dreah. The cards are designed interactively and enhanced with augmented reality technology, making the game engaging for all social groups. It is planned for launch in the UAE’s Year of Community 2025.