Saudi Arabia, Volunteering and the Relationship with Youth Well-Being

2026-01-31T01:59:43+00:00

Previous studies have documented the positive outcomes and benefits of volunteering. However, much of this research has been conducted among so-called WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) populations. This study aimed to examine the relationships between volunteering and several well-established components of well-being (i.e., sleep quality, purpose, confidence, social connection) among a convenience sample of young adult volunteers in Saudi Arabia (N = 182). We hypothesized that those who volunteer more frequently would experience higher levels of well-being. The results were supportive, showing that individuals who volunteered more regularly reported higher levels of well-being across all assessed components. Specifically, loneliness was negatively correlated with volunteering frequency, and volunteering frequency was positively associated with reporting a larger friendship network. We also found associations between loneliness and poor sleep. The findings are discussed in relation to public health strategy, exploring how volunteering may contribute to promoting population-level well-being, as well as to Saudi Arabia’s national Vision 2030 agenda, which prioritizes well-being and community involvement for national development.

Advancing Women's Health and Well-Being in the UAE: A Policy Perspective

2026-02-04T00:59:04+00:00

Women's health in the United Arab Emirates stands at a key juncture, shaped by rapid demographic shifts, evolving disease burdens, and progressive policy initiatives. While the UAE has achieved good healthcare infrastructure and outcomes, emerging challenges demand a paradigm shift from disease-focused to wellbeing-centred approaches. The current perspective examines the intersection of policy frameworks, demographic transitions, and wellbeing science in advancing women's health outcomes across the lifespan. Drawing on evidence from the UAE and broader Middle East region, we propose that integrating positive psychology principles into women's health policy represents both a public health imperative and an economic strategy. The feminization of aging, rising non-communicable disease prevalence, and barriers to care create unique vulnerabilities requiring broad solutions and policy initiatives. We propose a strategic framework integrating regulatory reforms, innovative care models, and wellbeing-centred health promotion to position the UAE as a regional leader in women's health equity and flourishing.

ملخص تقف صحة المرأة في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة عند منعطف رئيسي، تشكّله التحولات الديموغرافية السريعة، وتطور أعباء الأمراض، والمبادرات السياسية التقدمية. وفي حين حققت دولة الإمارات بنية تحتية ونتائج صحية جيدة، فإن التحديات الناشئة تتطلب تحولاً جذرياً من النُهج المركزة على المرض إلى النُهج المركزة على الرفاهية. يدرس المنظور الحالي تقاطع الأطر السياسية، والانتقالات الديموغرافية، وعلم الرفاهية في تعزيز نتائج صحة المرأة على مدى الحياة. واستناداً إلى الأدلة من دولة الإمارات ومنطقة الشرق الأوسط الأوسع، نقترح أن دمج مبادئ علم النفس الإيجابي في سياسة صحة المرأة يمثل ضرورة صحية عامة واستراتيجية اقتصادية في آن واحد. إن تأنيث الشيخوخة، وتزايد انتشار الأمراض غير المعدية، والحواجز التي تعترض الرعاية الصحية تخلق نقاط ضعف فريدة تتطلب حلولاً شاملة ومبادرات سياسية واسعة النطاق. نقترح إطاراً استراتيجياً يدمج الإصلاحات التنظيمية، ونماذج الرعاية المبتكرة، وتعزيز الصحة المركز على الرفاهية لوضع دولة الإمارات كرائدة إقليمية في المساواة في صحة المرأة وازدهارها.

Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology

Saudi Arabia, Volunteering and the Relationship with Youth Well-Being

Advancing Women's Health and Well-Being in the UAE: A Policy Perspective