Call for applications: Transform RAK policy research grants

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research has opened applications for the Transform RAK Research Grants Programme, designed to support applied research with clear policy relevance and real-world impact.

Contents

Focus Funding details Who may apply Requirements Deadline

Focus

Transform RAK is designed to turn strong research ideas into practical solutions that inform decision-making and benefit communities.

All funded projects must include Ras Al Khaimah or another UAE location as a study site, ensuring that findings are grounded in local contexts, policy priorities and implementation realities.

Funding details

The programme operates through two grant streams:

Seed grants, which support early-stage research and pilot projects that test innovative ideas quickly.
Acceleration grants, which fund the scaling of proven pilots to deepen policy relevance and expand community impact across Ras Al Khaimah and beyond.

Acceleration Grants provide funding of up to approximately US$34,000 for projects lasting up to four years.

Grant funds may be used to cover eligible research-related costs, including travel and accommodation, data collection, research assistants, equipment, translation, events and publication expenses.

Who may apply

Eligible applicants include:

UAE-based or international researchers and research institutions
Faculty members at accredited tertiary institutions holding a doctorate
Professionals with equivalent policy or research experience
Research teams partnering with government agencies, civil society organisations, or community groups
Acceleration Grant applicants with a completed pilot or Seed project

Requirements

Proposals must include a clear project timeline, realistic budget and defined deliverables, along with evidence of ethical approval, such as Institutional Review Board (IRB) documentation.

Research should align with priority areas such as education, public health, urban development or related social science fields and may adopt interdisciplinary approaches.