Health and Wellbeing
ZU Health Services
Zayed University clinics are responsible for providing health services in the form of primary care and emergency interventions. The clinics offer medical support and accommodations for students with chronic and acute health conditions. ZU clinics also play an active role in promoting health and wellness through ongoing campaigns and activities.
• The Wellness Center in Dubai is operated by Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
• The ZU clinic in Abu Dhabi is operated by the Canadian Medical Center (CMC).
ZU Mental Health Services
The Student Counseling Center (SCC) provides services to students to help them overcome personal and academic challenges and achieve their highest desires of education goals, to learn to develop their problem-solving capacities, and improve their personal relationships to reach their potential in personal growth, Wellbeing and Mental health. Our counselors are professionals. They are well trained and non-judgmental. They all have great empathy and are fully competent in assisting students to deal with their personal and academic challenges. In addition, SCC supports the Zayed University (ZU) community through crisis intervention, health issues accommodations, and outreach and consultation services. The Center’s services are available free of charge to all registered ZU students.
ZU Mental Health Services – Individual Counseling
ZU all have our own ways of coping, but sometimes challenges in our lives overwhelm our abilities to manage. If you are struggling with your thoughts, emotions, relationship with yourself or others, we are here to listen. We can offer you a safe space to voice your concerns and find new ways of coping with the challenges you face. Counseling is a confidential relationship that allows you to explore your concerns, gain a better understanding of yourself and learn effective coping skills and strategies. Counseling is a collaborative effort, which means that you are an equal and active partner in the counseling process. Your counselor is a facilitator, encouraging you to talk openly, freely, and without judgment and helping you to reflect on your experiences.
ZU Research “There Is No Health Without Mental Health: The Middle East and North Africa”
Al Qanun, the medical encyclopedia of Ibn Sina or Avicenna (CE 1037), devotes a whole section to mental illness. His focus on mental ill-health goes way beyond that of the earlier Greco-Roman scholars. Similarly, Ishaq Ibn Imran, an Arab Iraqi physician of the tenth century, is credited with writing the earliest existing treatise devoted entirely to depression. The Middle East and North Africa have, undoubtedly, made considerable contributions to the foundations of our knowledge concerning mental ill-health. A continuation of this focus, however, has never been more necessary. In recent decades, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders have all reached epidemic levels in many parts of the world, and the Middle East and North Africa – MENA – region has not been spared. Major depressive disorder (depression) is now a leading cause of disability globally, and this is also true for many MENA nations. Anxiety and other mental health disorders are also among the leading causes of disability for many MENA nations, significantly contributing to the region’s burden of disease. All of these psychological complaints have a relatively early age of onset, with some of the most substantial and recent increases in prevalence observed among adolescents. This chapter explores the regional research literature on adolescent mental health. Numerous search engines (ScienceDirect, PubMed, PsycInfo) were used for this scoping review, identifying relevant literature between the years 1970 and 2020 in MENA populations. It is, however, not the aim of this chapter to provide an exhaustive systematic review, but rather to highlight some of the literature that best tells the region’s unique story. The chapter pays close attention to depression and eating disorders – conditions which most typically begin in adolescence. The aforementioned conditions can become chronic and costly sources of disability and distress. The relatively youthful population is a reason why such mental health problems should be a priority for the region. This review highlights that and advocates for prevention as a key strategy.
ZU Research “Adolescent Mental Health in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Where Are We and Where Do We Go from Here?”
Childhood and adolescence are time periods for human brain development and growth. Neuroimaging studies show that white matter volume and integrity increases throughout childhood and adolescence, with the frontal and temporal regions of the brain undergoing pronounced changes in adolescence (Tamnes et al. 2010). Decreases in frontal and temporal gray matter volume during adolescence result from environmental influences, as well as increasing white matter, the latter being essential as a transport mechanism of vital brain connections (Giedd et al. 1999). In parallel to these physiologic changes, marked cognitive changes include increases in abstract thought and reasoning (Piaget et al. 1977), improvements in IQ and working memory (Ostby et al. 2011), better problem solving and planning (Squeglia et al. 2013), and maturation of perspective taking (Sebastian et al. 2012). These changes suggest that the human brain exhibits heightened neural plasticity during adolescence, defined as the brain ability to adapt to internal or external changes. Environmental exposures and influences during adolescence determine these changes. For example, contextual neighborhood features such as the absence of opportunities for physical activity or an abundance of vaping stores influence adolescents to exhibit health risk behaviors such as sedentary lifestyles and drug use, which in turn influence the development of health outcomes, such as obesity and mental disorders. Fuhrmann et al. (2015) highlighted adolescence as a sensitive period of development where brain changes may be particularly susceptible to environmental influences, such as drugs, social stress, or cognitive training.
World Mental Health Day 2020
World Mental Health Day Event, a full week of workshops and sessions to celebrate the World Mental Health Day 2020. The annual World Mental Health Day Event is organized by Student Counseling Center- Student Affairs Deanship, and it aims to raise the awareness of different mental health topics, reduce the stigma associated with mental health, and to encourage seeking help. In this year event, there are a wide range of activities throughout the week from 18th to 22nd of October. Different activities will be provided by Student Counseling Center team, Psychology department faculty and students, invited guest speakers and external partners.
ZU Mental Health Day Event
Zayed University collaborates with the Community Development Authority (CDA), the Erada Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), the Department of Psychology, the University Library, Sports and Recreation from Zayed, to the free access mental health day event, in which the entire ZU community is invited to participate to: social well-being station, mental and emotional well-being station, spiritual well-being station, physical well-being station; in which activities, workshops for the student community and the general public are developed.
Zayed University's First Incubated Startup, Takalam, Wins Enterprise Agility Award by Entrepreneur Middle East (View article)
Health-tech start-up Takalam, an online counseling platform for mental well-being, recently won the Wellness Platform of The Year Award by Entrepreneur Middle East. This annual award series recognizes businesses and individuals across the Middle East that have established themselves as clear industry innovators.
Takalam launched a platform last year offering a private and convenient counseling service that connects individuals directly with mental health professionals. Services currently being offered include individual therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy.
The Platform guides users through the journey by matching them with a relevant expert in accordance to their needs and based on personal preferences. Treatments are focused on issues such as depression, stress, and anxiety, among others. All services are provided online, through video and audio calls, as well as live text-based chatting, while also providing the option of anonymity.
Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and President of Zayed University, said: “If challenges with mental health would affect our ability to participate in the demands of daily life and thrive towards our personal ambitions and goals, then it would be irrational not to seek professional counselling to resolve any drawbacks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) globally, anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental disorders, affecting 1 in 6 adults, and two-thirds of those affected do not seek help for their issues.”
She further added, “Takalam initiative is foreseen as a great start and a new beginning to increase the help-seeking behavior within our community, and hopefully would lead to a more informed understanding towards challenges concerning mental health, wave off the social stigma, and rather see the process of seeking help in a positive light.”
The platform is the first of its kind in the UAE to offer mental health support in Arabic and English to individuals as well as organizations seeking support for their employees during these unprecedented times. Takalam has developed an innovative Employee Well-Being Program which takes a proactive approach in focusing on mental health care at the workplace. The platform has been onboarding qualified mental health experts who contribute to the vision of making mental health services accessible to all. By digitizing their services, clinics and therapists benefit from the ability to scale their offerings with little marginal cost. This reduces any disruption to their businesses during these unprecedented times by allowing remote interactions that ensure safety measures of minimizing in-person contact. Most importantly, there is no compromise to the substance of service, and this ensures the ability of a therapist to help more individuals, particularly considering the rise in demand that has resulted from the pandemic.
Takalam was founded with the objective of eliminating the stigma associated with seeking mental health support particularly in the UAE and surrounding region. The company has global aspirations considering many people regardless of background face similar hesitation due to stigma and willingness to seek support.
The Founder and CEO of Takalam, Khawla Hammad, a Zayed University (ZU) alumni, commented on the launch stating, “Takalam is committed to being proactive by removing the social stigma and barriers to seeking help. Our aim is to empower individuals and employers to access the support they need in a manner that promotes understanding, accessibility, and affordability.”
Takalam thrived under the guidance of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at ZU. The Center’s Director, Dr. Wasseem Abaza, stated, “We are very proud of what they have achieved so far and look forward to what they will achieve in the future.”
Takalam has also been a part of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health Tech-Hub and has been recently selected among six global startups to join the Ma’an Accelerator Program in Partnership with Plug-n-Play Abu Dhabi. The startup was also selected to be featured among eight companies at GITEX Future Stars under the umbrella of the Dubai Startup Hub.
Campaign about sexual and reproductive health services
The Faculty of Natural and Health Sciences of ZU in 2018, carried out a campaign of sexual and reproductive health services with free access for the community of ZU and their families and payment for people in the community in general, where conducted testing and counseling on sexually transmitted diseases.
Understandings of cervical screening in sexual minority women: A Q-methodological study
Discursive perspectives argue that cervical screening carries social and moral meaning. Overlooked by research into the health needs of sexual minority women, previous literature that has examined uptake of cervical screening has instead targeted increasing attendance via information and service provision. In order to explore the diversity of meanings that British sexual minority women have about cervical screening, the Q-sorts of 34 sexual minority women were factor analysed by-person and rotated to simple structure using Varimax. The five factors are interpreted and discussed relative to competing discourses on information provision within cervical screening. The five accounts are labelled 'cervical screening is': an essential health check that women have the right to refuse; a woman's health entitlement; a vital test but degrading experience; a sensible thing to do; and an unnecessary imposition for some women. Critical approaches to informed choice are explored with attention to recent developments in cervical cancer prevention. Findings highlighting the need for affirmation of diversity within healthcare are considered in relation to existing criteria for UK national screening programmes.
Comprehensive sexuality education
In order to train its students about sexual and reproductive health, it invites them to participate during 3 days of the low-cost training for students, which begins on September 4, 2019, at the Dubai campus and Abu Dhabi from the university.
Zayed University and Takalam Partner for AI enabled Innovative Mental Health Solutions
Zayed University, a renowned leader in education and research excellence, is thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership with Takalam, an award-winning UAE-based mental well-being platform at the forefront of mental health technology and AI innovation.
Both Zayed University and Takalam envision a future where the innovative solutions born from this collaboration will transform mental health care on a global scale, making it more accessible and effective to everyone. By delving deep into the realm of artificial intelligence in the mental health landscape, this partnership aspires to create a ripple effect of positive change, breaking down barriers, and fostering well-being for all.
This partnership underscores the commitment of both parties to contribute significantly to the national economic, social, and cultural progress of the United Arab Emirates. Together, they aim to chart new territories in mental health care, leveraging the power of AI, and advancing the country's position as a hub for innovation and education.
The collaborative project will produce predictive screening software tools tailored to individuals dealing with mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
These tools are set to provide early intervention for mental health issues, thus potentially benefiting countless individuals within the UAE community and beyond.
What makes this partnership even more meaningful is that Khawla Hammad, the Founder and CEO of Takalam, is an esteemed alumna of Zayed University. She serves as a shining example of the university's mission to give back to the community after graduation. Her journey from student to entrepreneur and her dedication to improving mental health services exemplify the transformative power of education.
Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice-President of Zayed University stated, "Our partnership with Takalam represents a fusion of expertise, innovation, and a shared commitment to a brighter, healthier future. By developing predictive screening software tools tailored for those struggling with mental health challenges, Zayed University and Takalam aim to create a new era of proactive mental health care that can positively impact the lives of countless people, including our students."
Khawla Hammad, also expressed her excitement about this collaboration, stating, "We are excited to join forces with Zayed University in this endeavor. By combining our expertise, we have the potential to revolutionize the way mental health support is delivered by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, ultimately improving the lives of millions. We believe that by combining ZU's educational excellence with Takalam's expertise in AI and mental health, we can push the boundaries of what is possible in this field, to provide more accurate and timely insights to individuals and healthcare providers."
Zayed University and Takalam are embarking on an impactful journey, one that has the potential to reshape the future of mental health care and education, both nationally and globally. Together, they are poised to bring innovative solutions to the forefront, making well-being and education accessible and effective for all.
Zayed University Launches UAE's First Master of Science in Counselling Psychology Program to Address Adult Mental Health Challenges
Zayed University is pleased to announce the launch of the first Master of Science in Counselling Psychology program in the UAE, designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of careers in adult mental health settings in both public and private sectors such as business, healthcare, and education. The announcement aligns with the UAE's National Wellbeing Strategy 2031 and the National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health, where improving the population’s mental health is a key priority.
The program, which will be taught by select professors from the College of Natural and Health Sciences, will be available to students from Fall 2023, and will be offered over four semesters on the Zayed University Abu Dhabi campus. To allow students to practise the theory in a workplace setting, two internships will be completed. Participants will have access to a range of resources and support services that Zayed University offers, including dedicated faculty and staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant student community.
"We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new Master of Science in Counselling Psychology, which represents the latest offering available to prospective students at Zayed University," said Dr Gaelle Picherit-Duthler, Acting Dean of Graduate Studies at Zayed University. "The program will provide students with a deep understanding of the psychology field, furnishing them with the expertise, knowledge and skills required to apply psychological theories and models to help adult populations with a range of psychological concerns.”
"At a time when the importance of mental health is becoming increasingly recognised, we are confident that the program will be a game-changer for students looking to enhance their professional development in this area. Upon graduation, we aim to ready graduates with a competitive edge in the job market, allowing them to achieve their professional goals,” said Dr Teresa Arora, Chair of the Psychology Department at Zayed University.
Zayed University is currently undergoing an ambitious strategic transformation, with a particular emphasis on enhancing its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Additionally, the University aims to ensure that research is integrated throughout all aspects of the institution. These new programs are designed to closely align with the national agenda and emerging trends in the private sector.
Dr Michael Allen, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Zayed University, commented on the transformation underway at the University, stating, "Mental health is an area we have seen governments and the private sector across the globe place increasing importance on. As a university, we are transforming our models of teaching with the aim of optimising the educational outcomes of our students. This will equip our graduates with the capabilities required for future working environments, including in the field of psychology.”
Physical Care Services:
Sports Centers
ZU Sports operates in conjunction across the campuses of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing comprehensive sports, fitness and recreation programs for students, staff and faculty.
The ZU Sports programs can be broken down into the main areas of:
1. Intercollegiate Sports: ZU Sports provides students with the opportunity to compete against other universities in individual or team sports
2. Fitness: ZU sports offers a range of fitness programs, classes and tailored personal training sessions to encourage all members of the ZU community to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Full support is provided by the ZU Sports to facilitate and support individuals in achieving their fitness goals. In addition, ZU Sports incorporates Strength and Condition modules and uses General Physical Preparation (GPP) for off season training and Sports Specific Training (SST) for pre-season and in-season training.
3. Intramural Sports: ZU Sports has developed an internal sports program in which members of the ZU community can participate in friendly sports fixtures within the campus.
4. Recreation: The sports and fitness centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide facilities use for members of the ZU community to use recreationally.
5. Community Sports events: ZU sports actively promote the participation and engagement with the wider UAE society through the promotion, involvement and organization of sports events, both on and off campus.
Contact the Sport Coordinators for information regarding the sports center operating hours and registration for the sports, fitness or recreation programs.
• Abu Dhabi Sports Coordinators:
• Male Sports Coordinator: Charif Rabah
• Email: charif.rabah@zu.ac.ae
• Phone number: 0501076720
• Female Sports Coordinator: Kimbely Baptiste
• Email: Kimbely.baptiste@zu.ac.ae
• Phone number: 0565028848
• Dubai Sports Coordinator:
• Dubai Sports Coordinator: Natalia Tomaszewska
• Email: Natalia.tomaszewska@zu.ac.ae
• Phone number: 0506746862
• Follow ZU Sports on Instagram:
• Abu Dhabi @zusportsad
• Dubai @zusportsdubai
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