The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), represented by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Continuing Education Center, celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of the Social Care Professionals Capacity-Building Program. The ceremony was held in collaboration with the Department of Community Development, represented by the Social Licensing and Regulatory Sector, at Hilton Yas Island Hotel in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of representatives from partner entities and faculty members.
This programme reflects the strategic partnership between the university and the department, and their shared commitment to developing specialised national talent and enhancing the quality and efficiency of social services in Abu Dhabi. The graduating cohort included 130 professionals from both government and private social sector institutions, enrolled in three specialised professional diplomas: Social Work Practice Skills, Non-Clinical Psychology, and School Counseling.
In his speech during the ceremony, Professor Mohamed Bin Huwaiden, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at UAEU, emphasised the programme as a genuine investment in Emiratis.
Professor Mohamed Bin Huwaiden said: “At UAEU, we believe that national development cannot be achieved without nurturing the human being from within. Our professional programmes, including this one, aim to provide society with field-ready specialists aligned with the vision of our wise leadership, which places the individual as the nation’s highest value and greatest asset.
“Human-centered professions—especially social work and psychology—are not a luxury, but a national necessity, equally vital as any scientific discipline.”
Professor Bin Huwaiden also praised the fruitful partnership with the Department of Community Development, stating: “We are proud of our partnership with the department, a conscious national partner that shares our belief that empowering professionals is key to empowering the community.”
Professor Bin Huwaiden extended his thanks to the Continuing Education Center at UAEU for their significant role in organising and managing the programme with high efficiency.
Mubarak Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Licensing and Social Control Sector at the Department of Community Development, explained that this programme comes as part of the department’s efforts to qualify social care professionals in accordance with the highest recognised professional standards. Al Ameri affirmed that developing human capital in the social sector is a cornerstone for advancing integrated social services.
Al Ameri pointed out that the programme attracted participants from various entities such as public schools, the Family Development Foundation, the Family Care Authority, the General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute, in addition to a number of private social institutions specialising in providing rehabilitation services for People of Determination.
Al Ameri praised the efforts of the graduates and their professional commitment to developing their skills, noting that the programme is not only about qualifying individuals, but also represents a strategic step toward building an integrated system founded on innovation, efficiency, and professionalism in the delivery of social services.
