Deadline: 01-Apr-2026
The Transform RAK Research Grants Program, funded by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, supports applied and interdisciplinary public policy research with direct impact in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE. The program funds both pilot projects and scalable initiatives that translate research into tangible policy and community outcomes.
Overview of the Transform RAK Research Grants Program
The Transform RAK Research Grants Program is an international funding initiative launched by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research. The program supports individuals and organizations worldwide to conduct applied, interdisciplinary research addressing priority public policy challenges in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All funded projects must include Ras Al Khaimah or another UAE location as a study site to ensure direct relevance and measurable local impact.
What Is Transform RAK Research for Tangible Impact?
Transform RAK Research for Tangible Impact is designed to move research beyond academic publication and into real-world application. The program builds on the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to scholarship, evidence-based policymaking, and community engagement. Its core objective is to turn innovative research ideas into practical solutions that benefit communities, institutions, and policymakers in the UAE.
Grant Streams Under Transform RAK
TransformRAK operates through two complementary funding streams that support research at different stages of development.
Seed Grants
Seed Grants support early-stage, exploratory, and pilot research projects. These grants are intended to enable rapid experimentation, feasibility testing, and refinement of innovative ideas before scaling. Typical Seed Grant activities include pilot interventions, proof-of-concept studies, and preliminary policy analysis.
Acceleration Grants
Acceleration Grants support the scaling and deepening of successful pilot or Seed Grant projects. These grants aim to enhance policy relevance, expand geographic or institutional reach, and ensure long-term sustainability. Acceleration Grants provide funding of up to AED 125,000 per year for a maximum duration of 48 months and typically require formal partnerships with community or government stakeholders.
What Costs Can the Grant Cover?
Transform RAK Research Grants may be used to cover a broad range of eligible research and implementation expenses, including travel and accommodation, research assistants and personnel, data collection and analysis, translation and transcription, research equipment and materials, stakeholder workshops and events, and publication and dissemination costs.
Priority Research Areas
Research proposals must align with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s public policy priority areas. These include education policy and systems, public health and health services, urban development and planning, and related social science and interdisciplinary public policy topics. Proposals should clearly explain how the research will inform policy decisions or lead to practical interventions in Ras Al Khaimah or the wider UAE.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility for TransformRAK is open to both UAE-based and international applicants. Applicants must demonstrate that their research includes at least one UAE-based study site and delivers clear benefits to Ras Al Khaimah. Lead applicants are typically faculty members at accredited tertiary institutions holding a doctoral degree or professionals with equivalent demonstrated expertise. Projects must present a feasible timeline, realistic budget, and clearly defined deliverables. Applicants for Acceleration Grants are expected to have successfully completed a pilot or Seed Grant project. All proposals must include Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the applicant’s home institution.
Why the Transform RAK Grants Matter
The Transform RAK Research Grants Program addresses a critical gap between academic research and policy implementation. By prioritizing applied research with measurable outcomes, the program strengthens local research capacity, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, supports evidence-based policymaking, and delivers sustainable community impact in Ras Al Khaimah and across the UAE.
How the Transform RAK Grants Work
-
Identify a public policy challenge aligned with the Foundation’s priority areas.
-
Design an applied or pilot research project with clear relevance to Ras Al Khaimah or the UAE.
-
Choose the appropriate funding stream: Seed Grant or Acceleration Grant.
-
Develop partnerships with government entities, community organizations, or other stakeholders.
-
Prepare a detailed proposal outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, budget, and deliverables.
-
Submit IRB documentation and all required supporting materials.
-
Implement the project, evaluate outcomes, and disseminate findings for policy and community use.
Tips for a Strong Application
Clearly link research activities to policy or community impact in Ras Al Khaimah. Demonstrate strong local engagement and stakeholder collaboration. Use interdisciplinary approaches where relevant. Provide realistic budgets and timelines. Explain how the project can be sustained or scaled beyond the grant period.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting proposals without clear UAE or Ras Al Khaimah relevance. Focusing on purely theoretical research without applied outcomes. Weak or missing stakeholder partnerships. Unclear deliverables or impact indicators. Missing or incomplete IRB documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can international researchers apply for Transform RAK grants?
Yes. International applicants are eligible if the research includes a UAE-based study site and demonstrates clear benefits to Ras Al Khaimah.
What is the maximum funding available under Acceleration Grants?
Acceleration Grants provide up to AED 125,000 per year for a maximum of 48 months.
Are Seed Grants required before applying for an Acceleration Grant?
Yes. Acceleration Grant applicants are generally expected to have completed a successful Seed Grant or equivalent pilot project.
Are partnerships with local institutions required?
While not always mandatory, formal partnerships with community or government stakeholders are strongly encouraged, especially for Acceleration Grants.
What disciplines are eligible for funding?
The program supports interdisciplinary research, particularly in education, public health, urban development, and related social science fields.
Is IRB approval mandatory?
Yes. All proposals must include IRB approval from the applicant’s home institution.
Can grant funds be used for publications and dissemination?
Yes. Publication and dissemination costs are eligible expenses.
Conclusion
The Transform RAK Research Grants Program is a strategic opportunity for researchers seeking to generate applied, policy-relevant knowledge with lasting community impact. By supporting both early-stage innovation and scalable solutions, the Al Qasimi Foundation ensures that research contributes directly to sustainable policy development and positive change in Ras Al Khaimah and the wider United Arab Emirates.
For more information, visit Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.