The year of the family in the United Arab Emirates: Structural considerations for international social work

Author First name, Last name, Institution

Mazna Patka, Zayed University

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

International Social Work

Publication Date

2-12-2026

Abstract

This Brief Note examines the United Arab Emirates’ designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family and considers its implications for international social work in a context where most residents are expatriates. The analysis identifies two shifts that are relevant for the global profession. The first involves rethinking how social workers engage with macro-level structures that shape family life. The second highlights imbalances created when the well-being of one group relies on the labor of another whose family cohesion is constrained. These reflections offer insights for practitioners working in diverse and stratified social contexts.

DOI Link

10.1177/00208728261418233

ISSN

0020-8728

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

Family, public policy, social welfare, social work, transients and migrants, working conditions

Scopus ID

105029961505

Recommended Citation

Patka, Mazna, "The year of the family in the United Arab Emirates: Structural considerations for international social work" (2026). All Works. 7897.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/7897

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no