The Dubai School of Government (DSG) said Dr Victor Santiago Pineda, one of its visiting US scholars, has been awarded a public policy fellowship by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research (SSFPR).

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  Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ras Al Khaimah crown prince and deputy ruler.

The scholarships are awarded to foster research collaboration between the RAK Government and the international research community towards aiding the economic and social development of the emirate and the UAE.

Hafed Al Ghwell, director, External Affairs and Communications, DSG, 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," he opined.

"With his superior intellect he has contributed to helping the disabled integrate into society and has raised awareness about their rights. The fellowship 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," Ghwell remarked.

Dr 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," he added.

Dr Pineda’s research assumes significance as the policy framework and social realities of the UAE allow for more integration of disabled into mainstream society.-TradeArabia News Service