University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209, Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest universities and leading academic centres. The Collegiate University has an enrolment of 18,000 students from all corners of the globe.

Cambridge is committed to contributing to society globally through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international standards of excellence. To achieve this, we seek to attract the best students, faculty and staff, and to develop the most meaningful international partnerships. Collaboration across disciplines and with partner institutions is critical.

As part of its global focus, the University is embarking on a major collaborative effort in the field of Islamic art and culture. Cambridge is privileged to house an Islamic art collection of artefacts at its Fitzwilliam Museum exceeding 12,000 objects, complemented by approximately 4,500 manuscripts in the Library, many of which are early Qur’anic fragments.

The majority of these exquisite and unique pieces have not been studied, and their untold stories have not had broad recognition. Working with partners, we will generate world-leading research, teaching, exhibitions and public engagement in this important area. Along with organisations in the UAE, our aim is to strengthen global understanding of the dynamic relations between Islamic and western culture.