Social science research theme

Public spaces and social sustainability in Ras Al Khaimah

Social sustainability is increasingly recognised as an important consideration in urban development, yet its relationship with public space remains complex and often context-specific. This project explores how public spaces contribute to social sustainability in Ras Al Khaimah.

Funded by the Al Qasimi Foundation Faculty Research Grant, the research is led by Dr Mohammad Radfar and Dr Rakib Akhtar. Using a multi-site survey methodology, the project examines how public spaces are perceived and used within a cultural context that differs from predominantly Western perspectives represented in the urban planning literature.

The project aims to develop a taxonomy of public spaces that provides a more nuanced understanding of how these environments can support or hinder social sustainability. The findings will inform future urban planning and design in Ras Al Khaimah and similar culturally distinct settings.

Understanding how people experience urban environments is essential for creating places that support both individual and community needs. Recent advances in technology have created new opportunities to study these interactions in greater depth.

Funded by the Al Qasimi Foundation Seed Grant, this project led by Professor Phil Jones and Dr Mohammad Radfar pilots Mobile Eye Tracking (MET) technology with qualitative research methods to investigate how people interact with urban spaces in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). The multimodal approach captures both physiological and experiential data, providing granular insights into how the public perceive and use their neighbourhoods.

By integrating qualitative and quantitative evidence, the research aims to support evidence-based recommendations for urban planning and contribute to the development of socially sustainable communities in RAK and similar urban landscapes.

People with disabilities are often underrepresented in discussions about education, inclusion, and cultural participation. This project explored how creative practice can help amplify lived experience and challenge stigma.

Led by Dr Sarah Benson in collaboration with Dr Mayada Al-Natour from the University of Jordan, the project provided cameras to six young people with disabilities in Jordan, enabling them to document and share their everyday lived experiences through photography. The resulting exhibition, Through Our Eyes, was showcased at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.

Funded by the Disability Under Siege Network, the project contributes to research on disability, inclusion, and education in conflict-affected countries, whilst uniting researchers, educators, advocacy organisations, and disability-led groups from the UK and the Middle East.

Young people will play a critical role in addressing future environmental challenges, yet understanding how they engage with sustainability remains an important area of research. This project explores youth perspectives on sustainability in the UAE and how environmental education can support meaningful action.

Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Gulf Strategic Fund through the UK’s UAE Embassy, University of Birmingham Dubai researchers are working with schools, educators, industry partners and government stakeholders to co-produce an inclusive environmental education programme. Activities include the development of educational resources, workshops and green skills initiatives, with a focus on regional cooperation, youth participation and sustainability leadership.

The research also examines the green skills required for a more sustainable future economy, helping to identify how education can better prepare young people for emerging environmental challenges and opportunities. Through this work, the University aims to strengthen environmental literacy, support informed decision-making, and encourage long-term engagement with sustainability across the UAE.