DCD and ECSSR Sign MoU to Strengthen Social Sector Studies and Monitor Digital Trends
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) | Published August 26, 2026 | 07:45 PM
Abu Dhabi, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 26th Aug, 2026) The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) to strengthen research collaboration in the social sector.
The partnership will focus on understanding digital social trends and anticipating future changes, aiding in building knowledge and supporting Abu Dhabi’s social priorities.
The MoU was signed by Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of DCD, and Dr Sultan Mohammed Al-Nuaimi, Director-General of ECSSR.
This agreement signifies both parties’ commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise, and collaborating to better understand the evolving needs of society. The MoU is part of DCD’s efforts to leverage research, data, and evidence in the social sector. These insights will inform the development of initiatives, policies, and programs that effectively address community needs.
Immediate collaboration areas include:
- Research and studies related to key social sector priorities.
- Monitoring and analyzing digital social trends.
- Exchanging research expertise.
- Exploring emerging social changes.
- Utilizing the latest technology and tools for trend analysis.
The partnership will also investigate artificial intelligence (AI) applications and the development of digital tools to support research and analysis, overseen by DCD’s Strategy and Digital Affairs Office. This work aims to transform data into actionable insights and expand the role of emerging technologies in social research.
Commenting on the partnership, Eng. Al Dhaheri stated:
"This collaboration reflects DCD’s commitment to making research and knowledge a cornerstone of our approach to developing the social sector. By understanding changes affecting our community and anticipating future trends, we can craft more effective policies and initiatives, focus our efforts where they have the greatest impact, and cater to the needs of the community now and in the future."
He added:
"We also view artificial intelligence and emerging technologies as an opportunity to harness data for meaningful insights that support informed decision-making. By leveraging these technologies, we can better prepare the social sector for future shifts and develop policies and solutions tailored to evolving needs."
Dr. Al-Nuaimi expressed his enthusiasm:
"By joining forces with DCD, we bring our collective research expertise to bear on key social priorities. Through knowledge sharing and collaboration, we can contribute to initiatives and projects that benefit the community and fortify the social sector across the UAE."
