The Architecture and Design Commission has opened applications for a grant programme supporting research and knowledge production across architecture and design in Saudi Arabia.
The Architecture and Design Grants are designed to support the full research process, from early development and investigation through to dissemination. The programme enables research outcomes to take form through publications, exhibitions and other formats, extending their reach and long-term impact across the sector.
The initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader research agenda, with a focus on work grounded in the Saudi context while contributing to wider professional and academic discourse. It aims to advance research aligned with national priorities, strengthen the visibility of research outputs and encourage cross-disciplinary approaches within architecture and design.
The grants are open to researchers, practitioners and educators working in architecture and design. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the academic or professional capacity to undertake research. Eligibility includes individuals holding a Master’s or PhD, as well as Bachelor’s degree holders with proven research experience and a track record of publications or outputs. Applicants must be Saudi nationals or residents, while non-Saudi applicants may participate as part of a team that includes at least one Saudi member.
Proposals should be clearly situated within architecture and design and engage with the Saudi context, addressing current or emerging challenges, opportunities or areas of development. The programme supports projects at different stages, from early concepts to advanced research ready for dissemination. Applicants may propose publication-based outputs, exhibition-based outputs, or a combination of both, with a clear and feasible link between research and its outcomes.
Applications will be assessed based on research quality, potential impact and feasibility. Applicants are required to review the application guidelines, complete the financial plan and project timeline, and submit their application through the online portal. Each applicant may submit up to five applications, provided each relates to a distinct project or output. Applications can be submitted in Arabic or English, with each submission completed in a single language.
Applications opened in March 2026 and will close on 30 June 2026.
