The Al Qasimi Foundation’s Competitive Research Grants support applied, interdisciplinary projects addressing key public policy priorities in Ras Al Khaimah and the wider United Arab Emirates. TransformRAK: Research for Tangible Impact builds on the Foundation’s legacy of scholarship and community engagement to turn innovative ideas into real-world outcomes.
TransformRAK supports original research that contributes to the social, economic, and sustainable development of Ras Al Khaimah. For the 2027 cycle, proposals are invited across four strategic thematic areas, all open simultaneously. Applicants select one primary thematic area and may identify an optional secondary area for interdisciplinary research.
The Foundation welcomes rigorous empirical research with clear implications for policy or practice. Applicants may be based in the UAE or internationally, 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).
TransformRAK combines two streams: Seed Grants for early-stage experimentation and Acceleration Grants for scaling proven research. Funding may cover eligible research-related expenses, including travel, accommodation, research assistance, data collection, translation, equipment, events, and publication costs, subject to the Applicant Handbook and grant agreement.
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.
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.
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:
Education, learning and skills development across the life course.
Social conditions, policies and interventions shaping participation and quality of life.
Research on creating, measuring and strengthening sustainable social impact.
Heritage conservation, interpretation and relationships between cultural, social and ecological development.
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 affiliated with a highly ranked globally recognized university (based on QS or THE rankings) or demonstrate equivalent professional expertise.
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.
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 March 15, 2027, to be considered.
The 2026 competitive research grant submission cycle, which includes TransformRAK Seed Grants and TransformRAK Acceleration Grants, is currently open and will close on March 15 (23:59 GST), 2027.
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 March 15, 2027, to be considered.
Applicants must create an account and upload the following:
For any questions regarding Grants, the application process, or the status of a submission, please contact grants@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae.
