Ministry of Family signs two MoUs to empower People of Determination

The Ministry of Family has signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the University of Sharjah (UoS) and Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) to strengthen institutional cooperation and leverage complementary expertise in family and community development.

The agreements aim to develop policies, programmes, and services designed for families and their individual members, with a focus on empowering People of Determination and supporting their independence and community participation.

The MoUs form part of the Ministry’s strategy to expand its partnerships with academic and specialised institutions, leveraging their research expertise, professional capabilities, and community engagement to develop solutions tailored to family and community needs, while aligning institutional efforts with national social development priorities.

The two memoranda were signed as part of the Ministry of Family’s participation in the 8th edition of the AccessAbilities Expo 2026. Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for the Empowerment of People of Determination and Senior Citizens at the Ministry of Family, signed the agreement with the University of Sharjah, represented by Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs. She also signed the agreement with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, represented by Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of SCHS.

The MoU with the University of Sharjah focuses on leveraging academic expertise and scientific research capabilities to support family and community development. This involves examining family and social issues, analysing relevant data and indicators, tracking evolving family needs, and assessing the impact and effectiveness of programmes, initiatives and services, thereby contributing to the development of evidence-based policies and practices.

The collaboration also includes directing university research, graduation projects and postgraduate studies towards priorities identified by the Ministry of Family, in addition to developing training, awareness, and guidance programmes and organising joint scientific and community events.

It further provides for the exchange of expertise and scientific and technical consultancy, as well as field training and volunteering opportunities for students. This integrated approach will, in turn, help align academic outcomes with community needs and support the development of specialised talent.

The MoU with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services aims to strengthen integrated efforts to empower People of Determination, supporting greater accessibility and economic and social inclusion by supporting progression from education and rehabilitation to vocational training, employment, and independent living.