Up to 100,000 Dirhams for Emirati Creators

Cultural Heritage Support in the UAE: Scholarships up to 100,000 Dirhams for Emirati Creators

The Ministry of Culture of the United Arab Emirates has once again opened the fourth phase of the National Cultural and Creative Support Program, aimed at preserving and strengthening Emirati cultural values, traditions, and national identity. A notable addition to the new cycle is the documentation and archival category, which can now provide support of up to 100,000 dirhams.

Expanding Opportunities for Creative Professionals

Over the past three years, the program has undergone significant development. The current call offers five distinct support categories covering seven creative fields: film, music, performing arts, visual arts, literature, video game development, and cultural heritage.

1. Creation and Production Support

The flagship of the program, which funds the realization of new artistic and creative projects up to a maximum amount of 100,000 dirhams.

2. Promotional and Local Participation Support

This category assists with up to 80,000 dirhams in the publication, distribution, and participation in local cultural events.

3. Skills Development Support

Up to 50,000 dirhams can be obtained for short courses, residency programs, or specialized training provided by recognized institutions.

4. International Mobility Support

Also offers a maximum of 50,000 dirhams to those representing the UAE at foreign events, festivals, or exhibitions.

5. Documentation and Archiving

The newly introduced category aims to record and preserve traditions, stories, crafts, material and spiritual heritage.

Who Can Apply?

The program targets UAE citizens and children born to Emirati mothers who have reached 18 years of age. In exceptional cases, younger applicants may be accepted if they have proven talent. Applicants must have relevant education or at least three years of experience in the given creative field.

Application Process

Applications are submitted exclusively online through the official website of the Ministry of Culture. Applicants must attach a detailed project description, budget plan, timeline, and supplementary materials, and agree to the terms of the program. An applicant can apply for only one support category, and the budget plans must align with the maximum amount for the given category.

Preference is given to applications that incorporate sustainable development goals and apply environmentally conscious practices.

Deadline and Availability

The application deadline for the support program is August 31, 2025. Applications can be submitted through the online platform of the Ministry of Culture.

This initiative not only serves to preserve cultural heritage but also creates significant opportunities for young and experienced creators to actively shape and pass on the rich cultural world of the UAE to future generations.

(Source of the article: Ministry of Culture announcement.)