At The University of Manchester - Dubai, social responsibility is integral to our mission. Our initiatives are designed to cultivate sustainable development, support local communities, and contribute to global efforts in addressing social challenges.
Through projects and partnerships, we strive to create meaningful change and improve the lives of those around us. We work closely with our students, alumni, and partners to ensure that our efforts are effective and impactful.
To mark the University of Manchester - Dubai's 15th-anniversary milestone, the team has committed to supporting 15 worthy causes for the community. Three of the 15 are already in progress, and you can read more about the details of these activations below.
Partnering with Dubai Cares (the UAE-based global philanthropic organisation and part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives), this initiative aims to build schools in underprivileged areas and provide children with access to quality education.
Circle of Hope, formed by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nayhan, collaborates with the Emirates Red Crescent for various projects. The Wanna Read?' Initiative promotes literacy in children's wards of local hospitals through virtual reading sessions by staff, students, and alumni.
The University of Manchester - Dubai partnered with 'Sahem for Hope', an NGO dedicated to social causes, on the Gift Food Pack & Saturday Food drives, providing food to families in need in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman. Staff volunteers verified needs, packed, and delivered the essentials, supporting those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University of Manchester - Dubai launched the 15 social responsibility causes with a blood donation drive at the Jumeirah Emirates Hotel in Dubai, inviting students, alumni, teaching assistants, and staff to donate blood through the Dubai Blood Donation Center. The initiative, held during MBA workshops in May, emphasised the importance of saving lives, collecting 20 units of blood to help 3-4 patients each.
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During and beyond Ramadan (May 2021), the Middle East Centre supported initiatives to aid individuals in need, collaborating with Emirates Red Crescent, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), and Beit Al Khair Society.
Beacon of Hope UAE aims to bring life, light, and literacy to impoverished children globally, supporting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals for Good Health, Quality Education, and Clean Energy. The Middle East Centre purchased 150 'beacon-in-a-box' solar light kits, which MBA students assembled during induction and sent to children in Africa.
In collaboration with Dubai’s Wildlife Protection Office, the University of Manchester - Dubai supports the Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Project, with veterinary assistance from the Dubai Falcon Clinic and the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory.
We have partnered with EMEG and are planting a Mangrove forest in the name of the university. This forest will consist of 1000 trees in the name of The University of Manchester - Dubai and can be tracked and tackled in terms of growth and how much CO2 emissions it reduces during its growth timelines.
An ambitious plan to plant 15 trees in each country represented by our students and alumni is underway. Tree-planting packs, including seeds and branded items (15th-anniversary badge, bag, shirt, and cap), were shipped to alumni volunteers in the GCC and the wider Middle East. Volunteers, such as Martyna Al Qassab (Bahrain) and Hamed Abu Saadeh (Kuwait), Marie Therese Salameh (Qatar), Omar Al Halawani (Jordan), Khaled Khedr (Egypt), and Abulrahman Al Harbi (Saudi Arabia), are organising and documenting the events in their cities.
We have partnered with EMEG to use the Jebel Ali Marine Reserve as a base for educational camps aimed at increasing awareness of regional environmental issues. This partnership allows us to participate in their annual Conservation Awareness event, which includes releasing hatchlings into the ocean from a designated beach at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary.
Under our partnership with EMEG, we will conduct an annual Traditional Emirati dinner held at the sanctuary under the open sky. This will be an opportunity to spend some quality time with nature and cultural awareness.
Under our partnership with EMEG, we will conduct Educational activities twice a year to teach volunteers about the wildlife found in the sanctuary and its different species.
Under our partnership with EMEG, we will host Beach Clean-up events at Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary almost every three months for better environmental support.
DGrade aims to 'close the loop' by turning plastic into useful items like uniforms, sports kits, and accessories. They collaborate with companies to collect plastic from offices and sites. The "What is Sustainability" webinar educates participants on recycling and the circular economy, showcasing tangible products made from collected plastic to combat cynicism and encourage participation.
The concept of a circular economy involves consuming all products produced in the community and converting waste into recycled products. During our workshops, where plastic bottle usage is high, we collect water bottles in specialised recycling bins. These bottles are then converted into thread and textiles, used to design UoM merchandise like t-shirts, which are distributed to students.
Our social responsibility initiatives are designed to create meaningful change and engage our community in impactful ways. Join us in our efforts to make a difference.
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