Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants 2026: Fully Funded Research Opportunities in the UAE

The Al Qasimi Foundation is inviting ambitious and high-achieving PhD students to apply for its Doctoral Research Grants, a unique opportunity for scholars to undertake policy-relevant research in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a special focus on Ras Al Khaimah. Designed to bridge academia and policymaking, these grants empower doctoral candidates to produce research that can directly inform local and national policy while fostering professional and academic growth.

The grant fully funds the research phase of your doctoral dissertation, providing the necessary support to cover all field research-related expenses, including return airfare, furnished accommodation for up to 12 months, a stipend for living costs, and research support. Fellows are expected to produce one to two policy papers, deliver at least one presentation to the local research community, and may record a podcast to disseminate their findings.

The application deadline is April 1, 2026 (23:59 GST). Applicants should plan to submit their proposals through the Foundation’s online grant management portal before this date.

Purpose and Impact of the Doctoral Research Grants

The Al Qasimi Foundation aims to:

• Support doctoral candidates conducting innovative, applied research that addresses real-world challenges in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE

• Build the UAE’s research capacity through high-quality, policy-relevant studies

• Promote a community of scholars by fostering collaboration among international universities and local institutions

• Encourage cross-cultural exchange, sparking new ideas and understanding

The grants are targeted toward research that directly impacts policy, governance, and social development, thereby ensuring that academic insights translate into meaningful, actionable outcomes for communities.

Expected Deliverables for Grant Recipients

Recipients of the Doctoral Research Grant are expected to deliver a variety of outputs designed to communicate research findings to both academic and public audiences:

1. Final Report – A concise project summary of up to 1,500 words highlighting key findings, outcomes, and policy implications.

2. Policy Brief – A summary emphasizing key results, recommendations, and implications for local or national policymaking.

3. Research Majlis Presentation – A public or hybrid session hosted by the Foundation to present findings, engage stakeholders, and discuss future steps.

4. Policy Paper or Op-Ed – A scholarly, policy-oriented publication analyzing findings and presenting actionable recommendations.

5. Research Paper – A detailed article suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed academic journal.

Financial Support and Coverage

The Doctoral Research Grant provides full financial support to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their research, including:

• Return airfare to the UAE

• Furnished accommodation for up to 12 months

• Stipend for living costs

• Research-related expenses and support

This funding model allows recipients to conduct field research without financial barriers, facilitating thorough and in-depth study.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Doctoral Research Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current PhD student at an accredited university in good academic standing

• Have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85 or IELTS score of 6.5 if English is not the first language

• Have completed all PhD coursework and be ready to conduct the field research phase

• Possess a research proposal approved (or in the process of approval) by the applicant’s advisor and graduate program, including a literature review and detailed methodology

• Obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the home institution for the research

• Include Ras Al Khaimah or the UAE as part of the research site

• Applicants cannot pursue research in business, marketing, engineering, IT, computer science, lab-based sciences, or medical degrees, as these are considered outside the grant’s policy-oriented focus

Preference is given to doctoral research in areas such as education, public policy, urban planning, economics, public health, and environmental studies.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic merit and performance

• Relevance and innovation of proposed research

• Alignment with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s mission and policy goals

• Potential impact on the Ras Al Khaimah community and UAE policy

• Strength of professional and academic support from referees

Only two Doctoral Research Grants are awarded annually, making the selection process highly competitive. Proposals are chosen for their ability to produce policy-relevant, innovative, and impactful research.

Application Process

The 2026 application cycle will reopen in December 2025. Prospective applicants must:

1. Create an account on the Al Qasimi Foundation’s grant management portal

2. Complete the online application form

3. Upload all required documents, including:

   • Two-page essay/cover letter detailing interest, relevant experience, alignment with the Foundation’s mission, and long-term goals

   • CV or resume outlining academic and professional accomplishments

   • Current doctoral transcript (and transcripts for all previous degrees)

   • Official TOEFL or IELTS score (if English is a secondary language)

   • Approved research proposal, including any special equipment or facilities needed

   • Completed Doctoral Research Grant Budget Template

   • IRB approval documentation (or planned approval)

   • Two letters of reference, including one from the doctoral advisor

All submissions become the property of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and will not be returned.

Evaluation and Timeline

• Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 (23:59 GST)

• Review Period: Approximately 8–10 weeks, including administrative screening, external peer review, and final management approval

• Notification of Results: Late May 2026

• Project Start Dates: Between June and September 2026

The Foundation encourages applicants to submit their proposals well before the deadline to avoid technical or administrative issues.

Why Apply?

The Doctoral Research Grant is a prestigious and highly competitive opportunity that allows doctoral candidates to:

• Conduct policy-relevant, applied research in the UAE

• Gain professional recognition and expand research networks

• Produce outputs that can influence local and national policy

• Experience cultural exchange and contribute to regional research capacity

For doctoral scholars committed to making a meaningful impact through research, this grant provides the resources, mentorship, and platform needed to achieve academic and societal influence.

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