Faculty Supervisor: Marzia Balzani
My research documented and analyzed disability policies and programs in the UAE from the conception of the first federal law on disabilities in 2006. Adopting theory from anthropology of policy and the capabilities approach (Amartya Sen), I utilized discourse analysis to understand how the UAE’s policy focus has transformed in the last 15 years, from care and cure to human rights and empowerment for people with disabilities. I complemented my policy analysis with ethnographic work and captured insights from people of determination, their families, grassroots activists, and policymakers on the disabled experience in the UAE. My work culminated in a series of empirical insights on the development of disability strategy and policymaking in the Emirates, and policy recommendations on driving greater participant-driven inclusion across all spheres of the UAE society. As a Fellow, I have published research blogs and podcasts with the Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, and presented my work at conferences in the UAE, US, and UK.