The University of Sharjah and Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to forge a strategic partnership that advances community development and sustainable social progress across the UAE. The agreement aligns with the federal national agenda and Dubai’s strategic plan, anchoring cooperation in shared development priorities.

 

The MoU was signed on behalf of the University of Sharjah by Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, and on behalf of the Dubai Community Development Authority by Ms. Sheikha Al Jarman, Executive Director of the Social Development Sector. The partnership reflects both sides’ commitment to combining efforts, exchanging expertise, and strengthening community engagement in ways that serve the public interest and support the country’s social development trajectory.

 

Dr. Al Haj stressed that the memorandum embodies the University’s commitment to its societal role and national responsibility and offers a model of meaningful integration between academic institutions and government bodies. He also emphasized the University’s eagerness to harness its academic, research, and scientific capabilities to support social development efforts, empower students and researchers, and design community and research programs that advance national priorities, particularly Dubai’s Social Agenda 2033.

 

For her part, Ms. Al Jarman explained that the agreement comes as part of the CDA’s drive to build strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions. She noted that such partnerships are vital to strengthening the social work ecosystem, preparing qualified national professionals, and promoting evidence-based research to inform social policies. She added that the collaboration will help develop community programs and initiatives that enhance quality of life and family stability in Dubai.

 

The memorandum aims to support national priorities, entrench a long-term partnership that boosts coordination between the two sides, and improve the quality of social programs and services. It also seeks to back scientific research and knowledge production in the social sector, contributing to the development of evidence-based social policies and practices.

 

The cooperation framework spans several key areas, including human capital development through training and capacity-building for Authority staff, and their participation in continuing education programs offered by the University of Sharjah. It also covers the design of specialized training in community development and institutional work, support for employment opportunities for university graduates in relevant fields, and the provision of practical training placements for students at the Authority’s facilities.

 

The agreement further includes the implementation of joint community programs and initiatives, such as awareness workshops and public lectures targeting local communities in social, psychological, and health fields. It encourages University of Sharjah students to engage in volunteering and community service through the Authority’s dedicated volunteer platform.

 

A special focus is placed on research and knowledge, with provisions for joint preparation and publication of social studies and research, conducting public opinion surveys, building research capacities, organizing conferences and scientific forums, and supporting the development of a national network of social researchers.

 

From an academic support perspective, the MoU also provides for coordination in publicizing scholarships offered by the Community Development Authority to eligible students from social support categories in Dubai who wish to enroll in programs at the University of Sharjah, in line with the applicable laws and regulations.