Social Development

Mission:

Promote community wide engagement to identify, understand and act on challenging social issues.

Objectives:
Prepare Emirati youth for leadership roles and address growing disenchantment and alienation.
Support efforts to continue progress of UAE women and assist policy makers in addressing new challenges to families.
Significantly improve treatment, conditions and opportunities for “special needs” populations of all types.
Develop concept of “social entrepreneurship” in UAE and the growth of the sector.
Improve UAE capacity for social sector research and analysis.

2009 Programmes:
Call for Proposals Research on Emirati Society
The Emirates Foundation (EF) announces a call for submission of original research proposals focusing on Emirati Society. The programme reflects the Foundation’s commitment to support and sustain social advancements in the United Arab Emirates.

The Emirates Foundation is providing research grants of up to AED 200,000 per award.

The due date for submission of research proposals is June 7, 2009
For more details, please see the Grants & Scholarships page

Request For Proposals For Emirates Foundation Special Needs Projects
The Emirates Foundation in partnership with Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority invites organizations, academic institutions, health centers, and professionals working in the area of special needs to submit a proposal to expand an existing project, launch and run a new programme, and/or strengthen their organization. Through the special needs programme, the Foundation strives to improve services, increase inclusion, decrease discrimination and increase opportunities for Individuals with Special Needs in the UAE, through recognizing their rights, increasing awareness and improving their self-sufficiency. This programme will support projects in the area of special needs under the following categories.

The initial closing date for applications is May 17, 2009
For more details, please see the Grants & Scholarships page

Call for Proposal Support for New civil society Organizations
The Emirates Foundation invites proposals from committed individuals who wish to create new civil society organizations to address evolving needs of UAE citizens and residents. The Foundation will provide up to AED 700,000 over two years to fund the start-up and initial operation of successful applicants and will, if necessary, “incubate” start-ups until they can be independently registered.

Ph.D. Fellowships Programme Significant changes over the past fifty years have had a significant impact on the values, attitudes, behavior, and inter-relations among Emirati nationals. Collective aspirations for a healthy, productive, and harmonious society start in the family and are reinforced through institutions and public policy. Sociological analysis can generate public debate on how to maintain traditions while confronting modernity. Studies are best conducted by Emiratis themselves with advanced training in theory, methodology, and empirical research. Through a competitive process, the programme will co-finance Emiratis seeking PhDs in Sociology to return to careers in universities, social agencies, and the public sector. Eligible areas include but are not limited to Family, Social Psychology, Work and Occupations, Organizational Dynamics, Social Policy, Economy and Society, Culture and Tradition, and Research Methods.

2008 Highlights

THE EMIRATES FOUNDATION, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM COMPANY, HAS AWARDED 13 GRANTS FOR RESEARCH INTO EMIRATI YOUTH

1) Project Title:   “Emirati youth’s level of addiction to new information technology; opportunities, challenges/dangers, and possible solutions for a better future” 
 Principle Investigator:   Dr Mahboub Hashem, Professor, Mass Communication Department
 Administering Academic Institution:   American University of Sharjah 
 Start Date: January 2009  Duration: 12 Months 
 Project Abstract: This project will explore the dangers faced by young people in the UAE from new information technology. It will study how, when and where youngsters use mobile phones and the internet, assess whether over-exposure is having negative effects and suggest strategies for dealing with problems. The research will be conducted amongst at least 500 Emirati high school and university students.

 
 
2)  Project Title:   “Developing human resources for a knowledge-age economy” 
 Principle Investigator:   Dr. Tim Walters, Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences 
 Administering Academic Institution:   American University of Sharjah 
 Start Date: January 2009  Duration: 12 Months 
 Project Abstract: This research will investigate how young Emiratis feel about career opportunities in a knowledge age and particularly how they feel about entrepreneurship. It plans to explore whether jobs are seen as more aspirational in the private or public sectors and to recommend ways to help pupils in their career choices by linking schools and potential employers. Data will be gathered by questioning 150 male students and 150 female students from the American University of Sharjah.

 
 
3)  Project Title:   “Career and Educational Aspirations of Emirati Youth: Male Public School Teachers” 
 Principle Investigator:   Martyn Quigley, Faculty of Education
 Administering Academic Institution:   British University in Dubai, UAE 
 Start Date: January 2009   Duration: 24 months 
 Project abstract: : Only four per cent of Emirati public school teachers are men – a fact at the heart of this proposal. This research will look at why boys choose not to go into teaching by investigating influences such as schooling role models and general career aspirations. Research will be conducted in 90 schools across the Emirates with results aggregated for comparison against survey data from Dubai, the UK, Malaysia, and Brunei.

 
 
4)  Project Title:   How do young people negotiate for opportunities and resources in the UAE? Investigating gender and cross-cultural differences in job negotiations 
 Principle Investigator:   May Aldabbagh, Research Fellow Gender and Public Policy Programme
 Administering Academic Institution:   Dubai School of Government (DSG)
 Start Date:January 2009   Duration: 18 months 
 Project abstract: :This project will look at gender issues in relation to job negotiations in the UAE, using a qualitative survey and a survey-based study. It will also include two experimental studies – the first evaluating gender in compensation negotiations, the second weighing the effects of social and educational segregation on women prior to job negotiations. DSG intends to publish the findings as a series of papers and will include the data in an edited volume on negotiation in the Middle East.

 
 
5)  Project Title:   “Developing a scale to measure the behavioural and emotional problems of UAE children” 
 Principle Investigator:   Mohamed Abdulla Albaili, Professor, Department of Psychology
 Administering Academic Institution:   Department of Special Education, Education Facility, UAE University
 Start Date: January 2009   Duration: 24 months
 Project abstract: : This project aims to develop a culturally-sensitive tool that can be used to identify children’s behavioural and emotional problems. The researchers will initially draw up a diagnostic scale based on the findings of pre-existing research, before testing and refining it against groups of both normal and behaviourally-challenged youngsters. Of particular value to schools, the research could ultimately be used to develop educational plans for individual pupils.

 
 
6)  Project Title:   “Unemployed youth in the UAE: personal perceptions and recommendations” 
 Principle Investigator:    Paul Burton, Director of Policy Analysis 
 Administering Academic Institution:   The International Council on Security and Development (ICOS)
 Start Date: January 2009   Duration: 9 months
 Project Abstract: :Previous research has shown that unemployment in the UAE is higher amongst educated youngsters than the population as a whole. This pilot scheme will talk to local youth about their career aims, aspirations and motivations and suggest ways of improving the situation. Researchers will initially interview 300 educated, unemployed Emirati school and university leavers from Abu Dhabi and Dubai between the ages of 16-26, with a view to expanding their findings into a wider survey.

 
 
7)  Project Title:   “Emirati youth perception/attitudes of globalization and its effects on national identity” 
 Principle Investigator:   Dr Raad Al Shawi, Associate Professor, Social & Humanitarian Science Faculty 
 Administering Academic Institution:   UAE University
 Start Date: January 2009   Duration: 12 months
 Project abstract: :This study will look at the effects which globalisation is having on the cultural identity of Emirati youth. By interviewing 500 young people, the researcher team plan to develop two scales – the first to gain an insight into how youngsters view national identity and the second to discover their attitudes towards globalisation. After evaluating both, the study hopes to make recommendations into ways of maintaining Emirati pride as children grow up.

 
 
8)  Project Title:    “The role of human factors in traffic accidents in the UAE: the effect of value systems, beliefs and peer pressure on driving style”
 Principle Investigator:   Taha Amir, Professor of Psychology and Counselling
 Administering Academic Institution:   Dept of Psychology and Counselling, College of HSS UAE University 
 Start Date:January 2009   Duration: 12 months 
 Project abstract: : The driving styles of both young Emirati men and women will come under the spotlight in this research. The study will investigate how far beliefs and value systems contribute to traffic accidents amongst UAE youth and whether group pressure peer is a factor in reckless driving habits such as speeding and getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking or taking drugs. A minimum of 350 men and women will be asked to take part, with anonymity guaranteed to ensure truthful answers. Those taking part will also be asked to give their opinions on current traffic laws and penalties.

 
 
9)  Project Title:    “Gender Identity disorder among Emirati youth”
 Principle Investigator:   Dr Suad Almarzooqi (Assistant Dean of Student Affairs) Psychology Department 
 Administering Academic Institution:   Psychology Department, College of HSS UAE University
 Start Date:January 2009   Duration: 13 months
 Project Abstract: : The aim of the research is to establish what percentage of young people in the UAE has a gender identity disorder – and how it effects their lives. The study will also look at how people in the UAE define gender disorder and how well they differentiate between identity disorder and homosexuality. It will also establish the methods currently used by social and psychological support services to deal with the issue. Researchers hope that the results of these findings will make it possible for them to suggest ways that the disorder can be dealt with even more effectively by professionals.

 
 
10)  Project Title:   “Emirati youth attitudes toward marriage to non-locals” 
 Principle Investigator:   Dr. Hussein M Al-Othman (Associate Professor) Sociology Department 
 Administering Academic Institution:   Sociology Department, College of HSS Sharjah University 
 Start Date:January 2009   Duration: 16 months
 Project Abstract: :This research will look at what young people in the UAE think about local nationals marrying foreigners. What impact do youngsters think it has on children, families and society as a whole? And do attitudes towards ‘marrying out’ change according to the social, economic or demographic background of the person questioned? A total of 1,100 Emirati youths will participate in the main questionnaire, with 100 taking part in five additional focus groups.

 
 
11)  Project Title:   Attitude of Emirati youth towards voluntary work 
 Principle Investigator:   Abdullah Falah Almneizel 
 Administering Academic Institution:   College of Education, Sharjah University
 Start Date: January 2009   Duration: 17 months 
 Project abstract: : 1,000 Emirati students from two public and two private universities will be asked what they think about voluntary work. Researchers then plan to analyse their answers to see how they are affected by issues such as gender, the subjects they study and the colleges they attend. Investigators will also consider whether there is a gap between young people’s general attitudes towards volunteering and their willingness to participate in voluntary schemes themselves. The data should give researchers a good basis from which to make recommendations about ways of positively promoting volunteering to youngsters throughout the UAE.

 
 
12)  Project Title:   “Young Emiratis, education and works: understanding dynamics for effective policy” 
 Principle Investigator:   Paul Dyer, Research Associate Youth Initiative 
 Administering Academic Institution:   Dubai School of Government (DSG)
 Start Date: April 2009   Duration: 12 months
 Project Abstract: :Recent estimates suggest that 60 percent of young Emiratis aged 15 – 24 are unemployed. This research will conduct a thorough overview of the labour market issues they face. Using original and existing data, the DSG plans to explore the relationship between “educational structures, institutional norms and employment outcomes for young Emirati men and women”. Its findings will be published in five working papers, the contents of which will first be debated by three select focus groups of young, educated Emiratis. Final data will be presented at a workshop held at the DSG.

 
 
13)  Project Title:    “Current issues in Emiratization” 
 Principle Investigator:   Abdullah Falah Almneizel, Dean of Student Affairs, College of Education
 Administering Academic Institution:   Sharjah University
 Start Date: June 2009   Duration: 17 months 
 Project abstract: : The consultancy firm McKinsey estimated in 2007 that expatriate workers account for 99 per cent of the UAE’s private sector workforce. A year earlier, the IMF concluded that young Emiratis appear to favour the public sector, which pays better relative to their skill sets. This survey will look at current levels of Emiratization in the UAE’s workforce, the public sector’s attitudes and prejudices towards certain nationalities. It will also discuss whether nationals would benefit from work readiness programmes or on-the-job training. To gather significant data, researchers plan to conduct 135 interviews with key stakeholders, including 45 with senior private sector managers and 45 with Emirati graduates and job seekers. It is hoped that the study’s findings will prove useful to public policymakers looking at ways of integrating nationals into a competitive workforce.

THE EMIRATES FOUNDATION HAS AWARDED FOUR ‘FAMILY CHALLENGE’ GRANTS COMPETITION LAUNCHED IN 2008

1) Project Title:   “Successful marriage.” Half Moon Project 
 Organisation:   Al Nahda Women’s Association 
 Emirate:   Dubai
 Start Date: February 2009  Duration: 14 months 
 Project objectives: At the heart of the Half Moon project is a mission to support and encourage local marriages within a strong cultural framework. The organisation is already well-established across the Emirates with 146 staff. This funding will back five initiatives, including a counselling service to help up to 1,000 people a year and a telephone hotline expected to be used by 500 callers. There will also be counselling workshops and public panel sessions on a broad number of related topics, including “How to live happily with your partner” and “The skill of solving marriage problems and financial planning.”

 
 
2) Project Title:   Hosting the conference: “Gender and economics in MENA: from theory to policymaking.”
 Organisation:   The Dubai School of Government. 
 Emirate:    Dubai
 Start Date: November 2008  Duration: 2 months
 Project objectives: The Dubai School of Government in association with The Centre of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR) and the World Bank hosted a two day conference on 15 and 16 November 2008 on Gender Economic Research and Policy Analysis (GERPA). The panels looked at a number cross-cutting themes including education, employment and entrepreneurship. UAE government ministers and the heads of women’s associations were amongst the 150 participants.

 
 
3)  Project Title:   “Promoting women and children’s health: a needs analysis of the best way to meet the current and future health needs of Emirati women and children.” 
 Organisation:   The Fatima College of Health Sciences
 Emirate:   Abu Dhabi
 Start Date: February 2009   Duration: 21 months 
 Project objectives: : The research aims is to identify the best ways of delivering health services to UAE women and children in the future. The college plans to conduct at least 20-25 focus groups with Emirati families, as well as more in-depth interview with 15- 20 individuals, to find out what families want from their local health system. After conducting the research the research team will recommend ways of delivering those health services and will work with relevant bodies to achieve more efficient and effective health delivery.

 
 
4)  Project Title:   “Social and managerial training workshop for social workers.” 
 Organisation:   The Humanities Studies Association
 Emirate:   Dubai
 Start Date:January 2009   Duration: 5 months 
 Project abstract::This project aims to improve the skills and abilities of 60 male and female social workers from across the Emirates, concentrating on those who work in prisons. It will consist of four main training programmes, one taught by Dr Mouza Ghubash and the others by external consultants. The training aims to improve and develop the social workers professional abilities and skills enabling them to provide a better service.

2006 - 2007 Grant Highlights:
Abu Dhabi Rehabilitation Center (ADRC) Speech and Language Unit
ADRC is a unit of the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City which supports rehabilitation of patients.  The Emirates Foundation has provided funds to purchase and import state-of-the-art equipment from overseas, so as to improve the capacity of ADRC to treat speech disorders in all age groups.

National Rehabilitation Center
The Emirates Foundation – in partnership with the National Rehabilitation Center Abu Dhabi – has established the ‘Half Way House’, for the accommodation and rehabilitation of addict patients. The center is now providing patients with the necessary healthcare and psychological support for their treatment and re-integration into society. The Emirates Foundation provides and rents the facilities and hires the professional staff.

Special Care Center- Abu Dhabi (SCC)
The Emirates Foundation has given support to the SCC to establish a sensory integration unit named the Emirates Foundation Sensory Room, which is equipped with specialized equipment to improve vital skills for children with Sensory Integration Dysfunction.

Future Center for Special Needs
The Emirates Foundation provided a grant to the Center for the hire of a school psychologist. The psychologist has enabled the Center to provide more multidisciplinary assessments, structured counseling and psychological therapy –  thus improving the level of service that the children at the center receive.

Ras Al Khaimah Autism Center
The Emirates Foundation has provided a grant to support and help set up an autism center in Ras Al Khaimah. The Emirates Foundation’s funding has gone towards renting the villa, furnishing the center, training teachers, a media campaign, and buying a bus for student transportation.

Imperial College of London Diabetes Center
“DIABETES.KNOWLEDGE.ACTION” -- This campaign, launched in February 2007 under the patronage of Her Highness, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, is based on a partnership between the ICLDC and the Emirates Foundation. It aims to encourage nationwide awareness regarding all aspects of diabetes.