TransformRAK Research Grants
      pattern@2x

      TransformRAK Research Grants

       
       
      The Al Qasimi Foundation’s Competitive Research Grants support applied, interdisciplinary projects that addressing key public policy priorities in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the wider United Arab Emirates.
       
      Open to individuals and organizations worldwide, the program welcomes proposals from diverse academic and professional fields. TransformRAK: Research for Tangible Impact builds on the Foundation’s legacy of scholarship and community engagement to turn innovative ideas into real-world outcomes. All projects must include Ras Al Khaimah or another UAE location as a study site.
       

      TransformRAK combines two streams: rapid experimentation supported by Seed Grants and scaling through Acceleration Grants. Together, they move research beyond publication into action, generating tangible benefits for communities and policymakers. Funding may cover research-related expenses, including travel, accommodation, research assistance, data collection, translation, equipment, events, and publication costs. 

      Projects must demonstrate practical, evidence-based benefits for Ras Al Khaimah or the wider United Arab Emirates, informing local or national policy. Proposals are also assessed for long-term sustainability and impact. Grant recipients are expected to produce policy-relevant outputs such as policy papers, applied research reports, and public dissemination activities (for example, Majlis presentations, podcasts, or blogs).

       

      I. TransformRAK Seed Grants

      Nurture fresh ideas.

      Seed Grants provide up to AED 75,000 per year for projects of up to 24 months. They support early-stage, experimental research and potential for community impact. Projects may test prototypes, explore data gaps, or pilot creative interventions that matter to Ras Al Khaimah and the wider UAE.

      Expected Deliverables:

      All Seed grant recipients are required to share their findings through practical and accessible outputs that contribute to policy and community learning. At a minimum, each project must produce the following: 

      • Final Report: A concise project summary of up to 1,500 words outlining key findings, outcomes, and policy implications.
      • Policy Paper or Op-Ed: A policy-oriented publication that communicates results and recommendations to a wider audience.
      • Research Majlis Presentation: An in-person or hybrid session hosted by the Foundation to present findings, engage stakeholders, and discuss practical next steps.

      II. TransformRAK Acceleration Grants

      Take proven pilots to the next level.

      Acceleration Grants provide up to AED 125,000 per year for up to 48 months to scale successful pilots, deepen their policy reach, and expand impact across Ras Al Khaimah and beyond. These projects strengthen long-term sustainability through partnerships, and formal agreements with community or government partners.

      Expected Deliverables:

      TransformRAK grant recipients are expected to produce practical and policy-relevant outputs that communicate research findings to both expert and public audiences. Each funded project required to deliver the following:

      • Final Report: A concise project summary of up to 1,500 words outlining key findings, outcomes, documentation of the intervention or pilot phase, and related policy implications.
      • Policy Brief: A concise summary highlighting key findings, recommendations, and implications for policy or practice.
      • Research Majlis Presentation: A public or hybrid session hosted by the Foundation to share results, engage stakeholders, and discuss next steps.
      • Policy Paper or Op-Ed: A policy-oriented publication presenting in-depth analysis and recommendations for local or national impact. Research Paper: A scholarly article presenting original research, analysis, and findings suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed academic journal.

       

      Please see the Past Grantee Database and Foundation Publications for samples of past research topics and policy papers written by grant recipients. 

      Grant Objectives

      • Provide opportunities for individuals or organizations to conduct applied research or pilot initiatives that will have a positive impact on the Ras Al Khaimah community.
      • Encourage interdisciplinary thinking and solutions to public policy issues.
      • Foster high-quality research and development projects that strengthen the local capacity of Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates
      • Promote collaboration among individuals, businesses, academic institutions, and other government and non-government entities in Ras Al Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates, and overseas.

      Grant Eligibility

      Applicants may be based in the UAE or overseas, but all projects must include at least one research site within the UAE and demonstrate a clear benefit to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

      The lead applicant (individual or institution) must be a top 200 globally ranked university (based on QS or THE rankings) or demonstrate equivalent professional expertise. The minimum eligibility criteria for applicants seeking are:

      • The lead applicant must be a current faculty member at an accredited tertiary education institution and hold a doctorate.
      • Include a feasible timeline, realistic budget, and clearly defined deliverables.
      • The proposed research must include Ras Al Khaimah or the United Arab Emirates as at least one part of the research.
      • For Acceleration Grants, applicants must demonstrate the successful completion of a pilot or Seed project.
      • Proposed research must address one of the foundation’s key areas: education, public health, or urban development, or a closely related social science issue or question.
      • Proposed research must include documentation confirming submission to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the applicant’s home institution.
      • Demonstrate sustainability and clear next steps beyond the grant term to ensure long-term policy or community impact.

      Selection Criteria

      Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for TransformRAK Grants. Awards are made based on merit, as determined by academic achievement and the relevance of the proposed research. Consideration is given to demonstrated intellectual distinction, academic integrity, a record of scholarly research and publications, and the reputation of the applicant’s current and degree-granting institutions. The applicant’s academic discipline is also considered, with preference given to those whose expertise lies in education, public policy, or closely related fields. Each submission is assessed through external peer review and internal evaluation by the Foundation’s senior management. Grants are awarded on merit, by a proposal’s relevance and overall strength. General sustainability and potential for impact are also considered in the evaluation process.

      The grant review process is competitive. While the Al Qasimi Foundation receives many excellent and high-quality proposals, a maximum of two Seed Grants are available each year. The proposals chosen for funding represent the innovative ideas that align best with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s mission to aid in the social, economic, and cultural development of Ras Al Khaimah.

      Application Process

      Before applying, please review the Applicant's Handbook* as it contains important information for applicants and recipients.

      Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal* and follow the instructions for the selected grant type once submissions open. The online application form and all required documents listed below must be uploaded and submitted through the Foundation’s online grants portal no later than April 1, 2026, to be considered.

      The 2026 competitive research grant submission cycle, which includes TransformRAK Seed Grants and TransformRAK Acceleration Grants, will open early December 2025 with a closing deadline of April 1 (23:59 GST), 2026.

      Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and follow the selected Grant application instructions once submissions open. Applicants must create an account and upload: 

      The online application form and all required documents listed below must be uploaded and submitted through the Foundation’s online grants portal no later than April 1, 2026, to be considered. 

      Applicants must create an account and upload the following: 

      • Video Presentation (90 seconds max)
      • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
      • Research Proposal (See the attached templates in the portal)
      • Letter of Recommendation
      • Letter(s) of Support (if applicable)
      • Confirmation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) Submission / Training
      • Additional Supporting Materials (if applicable)

      The Applicant Handbook & the Grant management portal will be available early December, 2025.

       

      Application Deadline

      • The annual call for Competitive Research Grants opens in December and closes on 1 April (23:59 GST).
      • All applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grants portal before the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
      • Following the deadline, all eligible proposals undergo a multi-stage evaluation process that includes administrative screening, external peer review, and final management approval. This process typically takes 8–10 weeks.
      • Results are announced by late May, and successful applicants are contacted directly to finalize award agreements and project start dates. 
      • Grant-funded research projects usually commence between June and September of the same year. 

      For any questions regarding Grants, the application process, or the status of a submission, please contact grants@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae.