Visiting US scholar at DSG awarded Public Policy Fellowship by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation

Dr Pineda, a Fulbright-Hayes Scholar from the US and a specialist in urban planning and disability issues, has been working in Dubai for the last two months focusing on further integrating the disabled into the society.

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is the visionary initiative of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Scholarships are awarded to foster research collaboration between the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and the international research community towards aiding the economic and social development of Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE.

Hafed Al Ghwell, Director, External Affairs and Communications, Dubai School of Government, said: "We are proud to host a scholar such as Dr Victor Pineda who has shown that dedication and consistent effort can make a difference in public life. He is a living example of what a challenged person can achieve, given the will and the right circumstances.

"With his superior intellect he has contributed to helping the disabled integrate into society and has raised awareness about their rights. The public policy fellowship by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation is in recognition of his efforts and spirit, which seeks to challenge, question and find the path to solutions that make life better for the disabled. We believe his knowledge and insights will continue to be invaluable in shaping public policy in the region and in integrating disabled people into the mainstream society."

Dr Victor Pineda said: "It is a great honour that the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation has selected me for this fellowship. I came to the UAE with the intention of contributing to the debate and facilitate the implementation of public policies. I have assessed the infrastructure and the policy guidelines while studying the community's attitudes towards the disabled in comparative and cultural perspectives.

"Through the fellowship, I aim to contribute to understand how regulatory approaches, in light of the legislation such as 'Federal Law No. 29 in Respect of People with Special Needs' can better foster social inclusion. For this law, my research will offer international best practices in disability planning and policy. For urban planners and developers in the region, my research will highlight key strategies and guidelines, and for government agencies it will provide a policy framework to implement effective policies and regulations."

Dr Victor Pineda's research assumes significance as the policy framework and social realities of the UAE allow for more integration of disabled into mainstream society. With a global average of about 10% people being disabled in any population set, the need for work in this area is immediate. This is also in tune with the vision of Dubai's leadership that has set the development of human capital as one of the key focus areas for the country's march towards becoming a knowledge-based society.

Founded in 2005 in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, Dubai School of Government currently hosts 25 research fellows and associates with different specializations such as public administration and governance, gender and public policy, economic development, youth inclusion, operations management, community development, and e-government.