UAE University and Community Development Department Graduate 98 Social Care Professionals
A strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates University and Abu Dhabi's Department of Community Development has celebrated the successful graduation of 98 professionals trained in social work practice and school counselling, marking the completion of the programme's fourth cohort.
The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) marked a significant milestone in professional development by celebrating the graduation of 98 social care professionals at a ceremony held at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi. The occasion underscores the emirate’s commitment to strengthening its social sector through targeted capacity building and sustained investment in human capital.
The fourth cohort comprised 75 graduates from the Professional Diploma in Social Work Practice Skills and 23 graduates from the Professional Diploma in School Counselling. Participants representing both government and private sector entities across Abu Dhabi reflected the programme’s expansive scope and its strategic focus on building professional capabilities throughout the social services landscape.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mazen Jaber Al Dahmani, Executive Director of Corporate Shared Services at the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, and Prof Mohamed Bin Huwaidin, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University, alongside officials from both institutions and representatives of participating organisations.
Strategic Investment in National Talent
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Prof Bin Huwaidin emphasised the programme’s significance as a meaningful investment in developing the nation’s human resources. He stated: “At UAEU, we recognise that national development cannot be achieved without nurturing people from within. Our professional programmes, including this one, are therefore designed to provide the community with field-ready specialists who are aligned with the vision of our wise leadership, which places people at the heart of development and regards them as the nation’s most valuable asset.”
The Dean highlighted the critical importance of human-centred professions, particularly social work and counselling, in supporting community wellbeing. He underscored the necessity for sustained investment in developing practitioners’ qualifications and professional capabilities to ensure they remain responsive to evolving social needs and emerging challenges.
Prof Bin Huwaidin also commended the partnership between UAEU and DCD for its effectiveness in bridging academic knowledge with practical professional application, whilst praising the university’s Continuing Education Centre for its management and delivery of the programme.
Quality Social Services Through Professional Excellence
Mubarak Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Social Licensing and Control Sector at DCD, articulated the department’s philosophy regarding social sector development. He explained: “At DCD, we are guided by a clear principle: the quality of the social sector begins with the competence of its professionals. A qualified practitioner does more than deliver a service; they understand the needs of individuals and families, respond professionally to social changes and challenges, and translate knowledge into more effective, higher-impact interventions.”
Al Ameri emphasised that investing in social care professionals represents an investment in the social ecosystem’s capacity to serve the community effectively and prepare for future needs. He noted that social care professionals play a vital role in translating social policies and priorities into services and practices that directly support individuals and families, contributing to their stability and enhanced quality of life.
Sustained Growth and Community Impact
Since its establishment in 2022, the Capacity Building Program for Social Care Professionals has graduated 381 professionals across four consecutive cohorts. This progression demonstrates the Department of Community Development’s commitment to developing qualified national professionals equipped to contribute effectively to improving the quality of social services and advancing Abu Dhabi’s broader development objectives.
The programme exemplifies the strategic partnership between UAEU and DCD, reflecting the emirate’s recognition that sustainable development is fundamentally rooted in investing in people and strengthening the capabilities of those who deliver essential social services. As the newly graduated cohort embarks on their professional journey, they carry with them comprehensive training aligned with leading international practices and professional standards, positioning them to make a tangible impact within their respective fields and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of the Abu Dhabi community.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office