3.3.2 — Health Outreach Programmes in the Local Community
Our Commitment to Community Health and Well-Being
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) recognises that universities play an important role in improving public health and well-being beyond their campuses.
Through community engagement, health education, student volunteering and collaboration with healthcare organisations, CUD seeks to contribute to healthier communities and greater awareness of preventive healthcare.
The University's community health outreach activities address a range of health and well-being issues, including occupational health and safety, cancer awareness, mental health, physical activity, disease prevention, rehabilitation and social inclusion.
These activities involve collaboration among CUD's Health Centre, Student Affairs, academic departments, student organisations, government authorities and external community partners.
During 2025, CUD contributed to community health through a major occupational health and safety knowledge-exchange event with Dubai Municipality and the launch of a student-led disability inclusion and rehabilitation awareness initiative in partnership with Sanad Village.
These activities build upon the University's established participation in community fitness events, blood donation campaigns, cancer awareness initiatives and mental health education.
Together, they demonstrate CUD's commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 — Good Health and Well-Being through education, collaboration, volunteering and community engagement.
1. Local Health Outreach Through Occupational Health and Safety Education
1.1 Artificial Intelligence Trends in Shaping the Future of Occupational Health and Safety
Date: 28 April 2025
Organisations: Canadian University Dubai and Dubai Municipality
Location: Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Focus: Occupational health and safety, workplace accident prevention and emerging technologies
On 28 April 2025, Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with the School of Health Sciences and Psychology at Canadian University Dubai, organised an event titled Artificial Intelligence Trends in Shaping the Future of Occupational Health and Safety.
The event coincided with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed internationally on 28 April.
The initiative aimed to promote awareness of occupational health and safety and encourage the development of preventive approaches to workplace accidents, occupational diseases and emerging health risks.
The programme brought together government officials, academic researchers, health and safety specialists and other professional stakeholders to explore the potential of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in creating safer working environments.
1.2 Health Education and Knowledge Exchange
The event addressed several areas relevant to public and occupational health:
- Prevention of occupational accidents and diseases.
- Artificial intelligence in workplace health and safety management.
- Automated risk assessment and preventive monitoring.
- Emerging technologies for identifying workplace hazards.
- Digital monitoring systems and predictive safety tools.
- Innovation in occupational disease prevention.
- Professional knowledge exchange between government and academic specialists.
The programme highlighted the importance of combining technological innovation with institutional responsibility for workplace health and safety.
By facilitating discussion among government representatives, researchers and practitioners, the event supported the dissemination of knowledge relevant to improving working conditions and preventive health practices.
1.3 Collaboration with Dubai Municipality
The initiative was organised through cooperation between Dubai Municipality and CUD's School of Health Sciences and Psychology.
Senior representatives from government and academic institutions participated in discussions concerning occupational health, technological innovation and the development of safer workplaces.
The event provided a platform for connecting academic expertise with the needs of professional and public-sector stakeholders.
Professor Aseel Takshe, then Acting Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Psychology, highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and government in advancing occupational health and safety standards.
1.4 Contribution to Community Health
Occupational health and safety education contributes to the prevention of workplace injuries, illnesses and environmental health risks.
By addressing these challenges with external professionals and government representatives, CUD supported the exchange of knowledge relevant to workers, employers and the wider Dubai community.
The event represents a documented health-related educational and professional outreach activity delivered in 2025.
It contributed to awareness of occupational health and safety practices and opportunities for collaboration on preventive approaches.
2. Rehabilitation and Disability Inclusion Awareness — Sanad Body Project
2.1 Student-Led Community Health Engagement
Announced: 31 October 2025
Community partner: Sanad Village, Dubai
Participating department: Department of Communication and Media
Focus: Disability inclusion, rehabilitation awareness and community engagement
In October 2025, Canadian University Dubai announced the launch of the Sanad Body Project, an industry engagement initiative involving senior students from the University's Department of Communication and Media.
The project was developed in collaboration with Sanad Village, a Dubai-based centre specialising in rehabilitation and training for People of Determination.
The initiative connected academic learning with a community-focused social cause, enabling students to apply communication, marketing and public relations skills to promote awareness of inclusion and rehabilitation.
2.2 Community Awareness Objectives
The project focuses on developing a communication and marketing campaign to increase public awareness of the Sanad Body character beyond Sanad Village.
The initiative aims to support broader community recognition of the character and its association with inclusion, rehabilitation and the experiences of People of Determination.
Through the project, students work on approaches to communicating messages that promote social awareness and understanding.
The project reflects the importance of effective communication in supporting community participation, disability awareness and the visibility of rehabilitation initiatives.
2.3 Collaborative Delivery Model
The Sanad Body Project brings together several contributors:
| Participant | Contribution |
|---|---|
| CUD Department of Communication and Media | Academic guidance and communication strategy |
| CUD Career Services and Internship | Professional development and industry engagement |
| Sanad Village | Community partner and rehabilitation-related awareness focus |
| Participating CUD students | Development of communication and public engagement concepts |
The collaboration enables students to engage with a community organisation while developing professional skills.
The announced project also includes a complementary workshop with AHCC — A Happiness Coaching Center — focused on teamwork, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
2.4 Contribution to Health and Social Inclusion
Rehabilitation services and public understanding of disability are relevant to community health, well-being and equitable participation.
The Sanad Body Project seeks to support awareness of rehabilitation and inclusion through student-led communication.
The University's documented contribution during 2025 includes the launch of the collaboration, establishment of the student project and development of the planned public awareness campaign.
The project provides an example of CUD linking student learning with a community organisation working in rehabilitation and disability support.
3. Continuing Community Health Outreach Through the CUD Health Centre
3.1 Community Health Promotion
Canadian University Dubai's Health Centre provides a foundation for preventive health education and awareness activities.
The Centre offers primary healthcare services, first aid, care for minor illnesses and injuries, health monitoring, disease-prevention guidance and referrals to external healthcare providers.
These services are available free of charge to members of the university community.
Beyond direct campus healthcare, the Health Centre regularly collaborates with community organisations on health awareness initiatives.
Its publicly documented activities include:
- Blood donation drives.
- Cancer awareness events.
- Anti-smoking and tobacco prevention campaigns.
- Preventive health education.
- Health awareness activities involving external organisations.
These initiatives complement the University's academic contributions to public health and community well-being.
3.2 Health Education and Disease Prevention
Health education supports people in recognising health risks, seeking appropriate professional advice and adopting preventive practices.
Through awareness activities and collaboration with community partners, CUD promotes understanding of health conditions and the importance of preventive healthcare.
The University's Health Centre serves as an institutional point of coordination for health promotion activities involving students, faculty, staff and external organisations.
4. Community Blood Donation Programmes
4.1 Partnership with Dubai Health Authority
Canadian University Dubai has historically organised blood donation drives in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority Blood Donation Centre at Latifa Hospital.
These activities have been coordinated by the CUD Health Centre and Student Affairs as part of the University's wider health awareness and community engagement efforts.
Blood donation is an important contribution to public healthcare because donated blood supports patients requiring transfusions due to medical conditions, injuries or surgical procedures.
4.2 Supporting Patients and Healthcare Services
CUD's previous blood donation campaigns have encouraged eligible volunteers from the university community to donate blood for patients receiving treatment in Dubai.
The University's published accounts describe donations intended to support patients requiring transfusions, including people undergoing cancer treatment, cardiac surgery and treatment for blood disorders such as thalassemia.
The campaigns have combined direct contributions to healthcare services with awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation.
4.3 Historical Participation
In one documented blood donation campaign, more than 70 donors participated in support of the initiative organised with the Dubai Health Authority Blood Donation Centre.
Another documented annual blood drive reported participation by more than 50 donors.
These figures relate to previous university campaigns and demonstrate CUD's historical involvement in community blood donation.
The University's published Health Centre information continues to identify blood donation drives among its recurring community health awareness activities.
5. Cancer Awareness and Community Education
5.1 Cancer Prevention and Awareness
Canadian University Dubai has supported community education and awareness activities addressing cancer prevention, early detection and support for individuals affected by cancer.
The University's historical outreach activities have included breast cancer awareness, prostate cancer awareness and engagement with organisations supporting cancer patients and their families.
These initiatives contribute to public understanding of the importance of health education, preventive screening and social support.
5.2 Collaboration with Friends of Cancer Patients
CUD has collaborated with Friends of Cancer Patients, a UAE-based organisation supporting people affected by cancer.
Its community engagement activities have included awareness campaigns and student volunteering.
Through the Shanab men's health campaign, CUD student volunteers have previously engaged with members of the public to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer and the importance of early detection.
The campaign provided opportunities for students to contribute to public health education beyond the classroom.
5.3 Support for Children Receiving Hospital Care
CUD has also participated in a historical community initiative involving children receiving medical care at Dubai Hospital.
In collaboration with Friends of Cancer Patients, CUD representatives visited young patients, including children receiving treatment for cancer and other illnesses.
The visit involved recreational activities, gifts and interaction intended to support the emotional well-being of children and their families.
The activity provided students and university representatives with an opportunity to contribute to community well-being through volunteering and compassionate engagement.
5.4 Breast Cancer Awareness
CUD has previously participated in breast cancer awareness activities, including educational events, fundraising and collaboration with external organisations.
One historical initiative associated with the BurJuman Safe & Sound breast cancer awareness programme included student engagement and fundraising activities.
These programmes illustrate CUD's record of participation in public health awareness and community support.
6. Mental Health Awareness and Community Well-Being
6.1 Mental Health Education
Canadian University Dubai recognises that mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being.
The University promotes mental health awareness through counselling, educational activities, peer engagement and collaboration with mental health professionals.
Its established wellbeing activities address topics such as stress, anxiety, emotional resilience, personal development and healthy relationships.
6.2 World Mental Health Day Activities
CUD has historically organised activities associated with World Mental Health Day, involving mental health professionals, student organisations and external providers.
Previous activities have included:
- Educational sessions about stress and anxiety.
- Mental health awareness workshops.
- Discussions addressing sleep and emotional wellbeing.
- Opportunities to engage with mental health professionals.
- Activities designed to encourage self-care and reduce stigma.
Past collaborating providers have included Open Minds Psychiatry, BrainHub Polyclinic and American Wellness Centre.
These activities demonstrate the University's experience in organising mental health awareness programmes and engaging external specialists.
6.3 Wellness Wednesdays
CUD's student-led Wellness Wednesdays initiative has provided opportunities for students to participate in activities promoting psychological well-being, stress relief and social connection.
Activities have included creative workshops, meditation, recreational engagement and peer support.
These initiatives support the development of a campus culture that values mental health and positive social relationships.
6.4 Connection to Community Health
The University's mental health education activities encourage participants to recognise the importance of emotional well-being and to seek appropriate support when needed.
By engaging external professionals and community partners, CUD promotes knowledge exchange and awareness of available mental health resources.
The University's established student counselling services further support its broader commitment to psychological health.
7. Physical Activity and Community Fitness Outreach
7.1 Promoting Active Lifestyles
Canadian University Dubai encourages physical activity as an important component of health promotion.
The University supports sport and fitness through campus facilities, recreational programmes, student participation and historical collaboration with external community organisations.
Its activities include sports training, team competitions, fitness programmes and community-oriented initiatives.
7.2 Dubai Fitness Challenge — Try with Canada
CUD has previously collaborated with the Canadian Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the Consulate General of Canada in Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council on community fitness activities associated with the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
The Try with Canada initiative included publicly accessible wellness activities at Kite Beach.
Activities such as guided yoga encouraged community participation in physical exercise and promoted the benefits of active lifestyles.
The collaboration demonstrated how the University could contribute to city-wide health promotion through partnerships extending beyond the campus.
7.3 Historical Community Fitness Engagement
The University's previously documented community fitness initiatives encouraged residents to participate in physical activities regardless of age or fitness experience.
These events promoted physical health, social engagement and positive wellbeing.
They form part of CUD's institutional history of supporting community participation in health-promoting activities.
7.4 Dubai Fitness Challenge Activities in 2025
During November 2025, CUD's Student Affairs Department promoted participation in activities associated with the Dubai 30x30 Fitness Challenge.
The University's event calendar included a Dubai Run gathering scheduled for 23 November 2025 and a CUD Run at City Walk scheduled for 26 November 2025.
These activities encouraged members of the university community to participate in public fitness opportunities and integrate physical activity into their routines.
The events reflected CUD's continued engagement with Dubai's wider culture of health and fitness.
8. Community Health Education Through Academic Expertise
8.1 Public Health Education and Community Engagement
Canadian University Dubai's Department of Public Health contributes to health education and professional knowledge development through teaching, research and engagement with external stakeholders.
Its academic programmes address subjects relevant to community health, including environmental health, preventive healthcare, public health policy and the social determinants of health.
These areas provide students with knowledge applicable to real-world public health challenges.
8.2 Connecting Students with Community Health Challenges
Through educational activities, external partnerships and student initiatives, CUD encourages students to consider how academic knowledge can contribute to community health.
Student participation in awareness campaigns, volunteering and applied projects provides opportunities to develop civic responsibility and practical understanding of health-related challenges.
8.3 Professional Health and Safety Knowledge Exchange
The April 2025 occupational health and safety event with Dubai Municipality demonstrates how CUD brings academic expertise into dialogue with external professionals.
The event addressed challenges relevant to workplaces and public health across Dubai and the wider UAE.
It also provided a model for connecting research and educational expertise with practical occupational safety needs.
9. Community Outreach, Accessibility and Social Inclusion
9.1 Health and Well-Being Beyond the University
CUD's community engagement approach recognises that health and well-being are influenced by social inclusion, access to information, supportive environments and opportunities for participation.
The University's activities seek to address these themes through cooperation with public-sector organisations, community partners and student volunteers.
9.2 Engagement with People of Determination
The Sanad Body Project launched in October 2025 provides an example of community-linked activity focusing on disability inclusion and rehabilitation awareness.
Through its collaboration with Sanad Village, CUD connected student communication expertise with the objectives of a specialist rehabilitation organisation.
The project promotes understanding of the importance of social inclusion and the visibility of rehabilitation-related services.
9.3 Supporting Individuals Affected by Illness
The University's historical work with Friends of Cancer Patients includes public awareness and volunteering activities supporting people affected by cancer.
These initiatives recognise the importance of psychosocial support alongside clinical care and preventive education.
9.4 Student Volunteering and Civic Participation
Community outreach provides opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills while engaging with the needs of others.
CUD encourages students to take part in activities that support social responsibility, community well-being and positive public engagement.
Its health-related initiatives reflect the value of partnership, volunteer participation and service to the wider community.
10. Health Outreach Activities and Institutional Contributions
Canadian University Dubai's health outreach record includes completed 2025 initiatives, established health-promotion activities and historical community programmes.
| Programme or initiative | Partner or participating organisation | Focus | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence Trends in Shaping the Future of Occupational Health and Safety | Dubai Municipality | Occupational health, preventive safety education and professional knowledge exchange | 28 April 2025 |
| Sanad Body Project | Sanad Village | Rehabilitation and disability inclusion awareness | Launched 31 October 2025 |
| Dubai Fitness Challenge activities | Dubai 30x30 | Physical activity and wellbeing promotion | Activities scheduled in November 2025 |
| Blood donation campaigns | Dubai Health Authority Blood Donation Centre at Latifa Hospital | Blood donation and community healthcare support | Historical recurring campaigns |
| Cancer awareness and patient support | Friends of Cancer Patients | Preventive health education and psychosocial support | Historical initiatives |
| Breast cancer awareness | BurJuman Safe & Sound and community partners | Breast cancer awareness and fundraising | Historical initiatives |
| World Mental Health Day programmes | External mental health professionals and student organisations | Mental health education and awareness | Historical programmes |
| Wellness Wednesdays | CUD student wellbeing organisations | Stress relief and positive mental wellbeing | Established student initiative |
| Try with Canada fitness activities | Canadian Business Council, Consulate General of Canada and Dubai Sports Council | Public fitness and physical activity | Historical collaboration |
These activities demonstrate CUD's engagement with health education and community wellbeing across multiple areas of public health.
The University recognises that different activities contribute in different ways, including direct volunteer support, educational outreach, public awareness and professional knowledge exchange.
11. Continued Community Health Engagement
Canadian University Dubai seeks to strengthen its contributions to community health and well-being through cooperation with government organisations, healthcare providers, charitable organisations and community partners.
Its priorities include:
- Expanding opportunities for students to participate in community health initiatives.
- Supporting professional education and awareness of occupational health and safety.
- Strengthening collaborations with organisations supporting individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation needs.
- Encouraging continued engagement in preventive health and disease awareness.
- Promoting mental health awareness and psychological wellbeing.
- Supporting participation in community fitness and physical activity programmes.
- Developing opportunities for public health education and knowledge exchange.
- Improving documentation of programme participation, target audiences and community outcomes.
These priorities build upon CUD's established health services, public health expertise and community engagement activities.
Conclusion
Canadian University Dubai contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 — Good Health and Well-Being through community health education, preventive health awareness, student volunteering, physical activity and collaboration with external organisations.
During 2025, the University collaborated with Dubai Municipality on an occupational health and safety event addressing the potential of artificial intelligence to improve preventive health practices.
CUD also launched the Sanad Body Project in partnership with Sanad Village, creating an opportunity for students to contribute to public awareness of rehabilitation and disability inclusion.
These initiatives complement the University's established engagement in blood donation, cancer awareness, mental health education and community fitness programmes.
Through continued cooperation with healthcare professionals, government authorities and community organisations, Canadian University Dubai seeks to contribute to healthier, more informed and inclusive communities.
Supporting Institutional Evidence
- Canadian University Dubai — AI Trends Shape Occupational Health and Safety's Future in Dubai, 28 April 2025.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/news/ai-trends-shape-occupational-health-and-safetys-future-dubai - Canadian University Dubai — CUD Communication and Media Students Drive Social Impact with Sanad Body Project, 31 October 2025.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/news/cud-communication-and-media-students-drive-social-impact-sanad-body-project - Canadian University Dubai — Health Centre. Established primary healthcare, preventive education and community awareness activities.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/student-affairs/health-centre - Canadian University Dubai — Community Involvement and Health Outreach, institutional SDG evidence.
https://sdg.cud.ac.ae/people/sdg-3-good-health-and-well-being/3-3-2/index.html - Canadian University Dubai — Community and Outreach Activities. Institutional programmes and community partnerships.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/sustainability/social-responsibility/community-and-outreach-activities - Canadian University Dubai — Health and Wellness. Health promotion, healthcare access and campus wellbeing initiatives.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/sustainability/campus/health-wellness - Canadian University Dubai — Dubai Canadian Community Unites in Fitness Drive, 14 December 2021.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/news/dubai-canadian-community-unites-fitness-drive - Canadian University Dubai — Dubai Run, HUB Auditorium Meetup, 23 November 2025.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/events/dubai-run-hub-auditorium-meetup - Canadian University Dubai — CUD Run at City Walk, 26 November 2025.
https://www.cud.ac.ae/events/cud-run-city-walk-hub-auditorium-meetup