Abu Dhabi
The British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has announced the opening of the Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) for the 2025–2026 financial year, inviting eligible organisations to submit bids for projects aimed at advancing UK leadership and strengthening UK-UAE cooperation in key strategic sectors.
The call for bids focuses on projects aligned with environmental sustainability and technological innovation, particularly in the following areas:
• Nature and biodiversity
• Clean water and sanitation
• Clean hydrogen
• Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)
• Artificial intelligence with applications in clean energy, climate, or nature
Projects are expected to last between three and nine months and must be completed by March 2026. Funding for selected projects may range from £80,000 to £150,000, though smaller-scale proposals will also be considered.
Eligible organisations must be non-profits with strong ties to the UAE—ideally with a physical presence in the country—and must clearly demonstrate how their proposed project supports UK interests or enhances UK-UAE relations.
Application Timeline and Process
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an initial concept note to UAE.Programmes@fcdo.gov.uk by 8 May 2025. Feedback will be provided within five working days to help shape the final proposals. Full project proposals, accompanied by an Activity Based Budget, are due by 22 May 2025.
An information webinar is scheduled for 5 May 2025, from 1pm to 2pm BST, to provide further guidance on the application process.
Proposals will be assessed based on several criteria, including value for money, strategic fit, local demand, and the ability of the implementing organisation to deliver tangible, achievable impact within the project timeframe.
For questions or to begin the application process, interested parties may contact Programme Manager Richard Atkinson.
