First published: 06-Feb-2026 12:41:39

Abu Dhabi : The Ministry of Culture announced the names of the winners in the first round of the grant program to encourage research and studies in the field of modern heritage, which aims to support research, studies, and academic and creative projects that document and reinterpret modern architectural heritage in the UAE during the period from the 1960s to the 1980s, as a fundamental pillar and an integral part of the Emirati national identity .

The program is being implemented in partnership with Zayed University and the National Fund for Social Responsibility “Majra”, over a period of five years with a total financial support of 800,000 dirhams, as part of joint efforts aimed at enhancing the scientific and creative research system, and consolidating the UAE’s position as a leading platform for research, critical thinking and knowledge production in the field of modern architectural heritage .

Strategic partnership to raise awareness of the importance of architectural heritage

His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, said: “This program represents a strategic step to enhance awareness of the importance of modern architectural heritage in the UAE, and direct support for researchers and creators who contribute to preserving and documenting the memory of modern cities in the country for future generations. At the same time, it will contribute to building a local and international knowledge network, and consolidate the UAE’s position as an incubator for creativity and scientific research in this unique field.”

His Excellency added: “The announcement of the list of winning researchers embodies one of the most prominent practical outcomes of the National Policy for the Preservation of Modern Architectural Heritage of the United Arab Emirates, which was launched by the Ministry in 2024, and confirms the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the production of specialized knowledge and expanding the scope of scientific documentation of modern architectural heritage.”

For his part, Professor Michael Allen, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Zayed University, affirmed that Zayed University’s participation reflects its commitment to promoting interdisciplinary scientific research, fostering a culture of critical thinking, and producing knowledge that aligns with the nation’s priorities. He added that this collaboration supports academic and creative research and contributes to establishing the UAE’s modern architectural heritage as a field of study, teaching, and cultural documentation. Furthermore, it empowers researchers to produce evidence-based insights that contribute to heritage preservation efforts, educational development, and enriching future urban discourse .

Mohammed Al Qasim, Director of Strategic Affairs and Care at the National Fund for Social Responsibility, said: “Majra’s support for this program comes within the framework of our commitment to our role as a national enabler that directs social responsibility resources towards research and cultural initiatives with a sustainable impact. Modern architectural heritage forms an integral part of the national memory, and documenting it contributes to preserving identity and enhancing knowledge. At Majra, we believe that empowering researchers and academic institutions is a pivotal path to promoting innovation and building an integrated knowledge system. This initiative represents a model of purposeful national partnerships that are in line with the state’s directions and translate social responsibility into a tangible impact that serves society and future generations . ”

Quality projects that document modern architectural heritage in the UAE

The list of winners included high-quality projects that addressed multiple topics, most notably : “ Beyond the Facade ” by researcher Omar Darwish, which investigates how architecture in the UAE in the late twentieth century responded to cultural, environmental, and social conditions; “ The Legacy of Precast Concrete ” by Dr. Bassem Mohammed and Dr. Nahed Shaqouf, which studies the development of the use of concrete in modern construction in the country; “ The Threads of the City ” by researcher Charlie Koolhaas, which explores the activation of the architectural memory of Dubai in the mid-twentieth century through fashion design; “Forms of Intention” by Dr. Roberto Fabri, which addresses the forgotten legacy of the Iraqi architect Rifat Chadirji, one of the most prominent modernist architects in the Middle East; “ Educational Rhythms ” by academic Azza Abu Alam and researcher Nour Nidal, about the architectural and cultural exchange between Kuwait and the UAE during the period from the 1950s to the 1990s; “Shared Aspirations” by researchers Amina Rajab, Salma Gharbi, and Imna Touiti, which highlights the architectural exchange between Tunisia and the UAE during the second half of the twentieth century; and “State Building.” For Irene Bassina, Dr. Ayman Fathi Ashour and Dr. Wael Ali Rashdan, on the impact of architectural exchange between Kuwait and the UAE in the late twentieth century on modernist heritage and national identity using federal post offices as case studies, in addition to “ The Annex” by researcher Amer Madhoun, who studies the architecture of the “annex” as an authentic architectural-social component in Emirati houses, “Monitoring Modernity” by Dr. Khawla Al Kaabi, who highlights the modernist architectural heritage in Abu Dhabi during the period from 1960 to 1990, “Streets of Memory” by Dr. Dalia Hafez, who deals with the rehabilitation of modern heritage neighborhoods in Dubai, “Everyday Modernity” by researcher Gayatri Rajendran, who documents the cultural and urban heritage of the Al Karama neighborhood in Dubai, and “Modern Emirati Heritage” by Dr. Hala Aslan, who reformulates the concept of markets as living heritage.

The list of winners also included “Lines on the Sand” by researcher Valentina Mircheva, about the influence of Bulgarian architects in Abu Dhabi; “Postal Modernities” by Dr. Magdi Faleh, Dr. Ahmed Sukkar, Professor Thuraya Sanousi, Dr. Omar Jawad and Dr. Majed Moussa, which documents the urban heritage linked to community memory in the Emirates; “Records of the Absent” by researchers Aya Al-Khatib, Rand Taifour and Zakia Al-Omari, which explores the fading layers of Abu Dhabi’s urban memory along a single street; “Features of Local Culture in Modern Architectural Heritage in the UAE” by researchers Sultan Al-Hammadi, about the influence of local culture on the form and content of modern heritage; “Al-Ruwais” by researchers Rashid Al-Mulla and Salem Al-Suwaidi, about the importance of small towns and their role in the history of the industrial Emirates and their future planning; “The Modern Digital Emirates” by Dr. Serkan Gunay, which deals with linking heritage preservation with innovative digital methods; and “ The Hidden Fabric ” by Dr. Hadeel Al-Najjar, which documents the role of Emirati women in the modern urban spaces of the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain. “Material Maps” by researchers Nuhaila Al-Humairi, Maryam Bin Bishr and Salma Hani Ali, about the development of modern architectural styles in the Emirates, and “Industrial Heritage in Dubai” by researcher Asia Anwar, which documents industrial landmarks in Dubai.

It is worth noting that this initiative comes within the Ministry of Culture’s ongoing efforts to preserve and document modern architectural heritage, and to enhance its presence in the cultural and research landscape locally and globally.     

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