The UK-KSA Arabian Peninsula Cultural Research Fellowships are a partnership program between the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Effat University, and the National Archives of the United Kingdom.
In its first cycle (2026-27), the program will establish an international cohort of six scholars and fund year-long projects that advance cultural research on the Arabian Peninsula, primarily using The National Archives' collection.
Program Objectives
- Encourage engagement with archival materials housed at the National Archives and incentivise cultural research on the Arabian Peninsula.
- Produce high-quality research outputs and knowledge exchange between the UK and Saudi Arabia that has a measurable impact on academia, policy and/or society.
- Foster long-term research collaboration between the UK and Saudi Arabia in the field of cultural heritage.
What the Program Delivers
- 6 funded year-long research fellowships
- 10-week residency at the National Archives where fellows will have the opportunity to access the collection, receive practical archival training, and visit other collections and cultural institutions in the UK.
- Final seminar at Effat University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where fellows will have the opportunity to present their research.
Eligibility
- The program is open to academic or cultural heritage professionals based in the UK or Saudi Arabia.
- Applicants should have the ability to conduct independent research.
- Applicants must be proficient enough in English to participate in the training and mentorship components of the program.
Important Dates
- 11 May 2026, 11.59pm GMT: application portal closes
- 4 June 2026: fellowships awarded
- 1 August 2026: fellowships begin
- 3l July 2027: program end
Budget Template
