Abu dhabi: SAKINA, the leading mental health network under SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SpeechCare Centre, a specialist in speech therapy and neurodevelopmental interventions, to advance research protocols and clinically guided frameworks in digital wellbeing and strengthen the link between scientific research and clinical practice in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, under the MoU, the two organisations will collaborate to design specialised research protocols focused on digital behaviours and related wellbeing considerations, while developing applied clinical frameworks for SAKINA's Digital Wellbeing Centre in Abu Dhabi.
The frameworks will cover measurement tools, assessment approaches, referral pathways, and follow-up standards. The partnership also includes specialised training programmes and certifications to support implementation, with culturally aligned adaptations designed to reflect the UAE community's needs.
Dr. Zain Ali Al Yafai, Chief Executive Officer of SAKINA, highlighted the importance of digital wellbeing as a contemporary mental health challenge and an opportunity. He stated that the collaboration with SpeechCare aims to develop research-led clinical frameworks that translate knowledge into practical care to support children and families in a healthier, more balanced digital environment.
Farah Al Qaissieh, Chief Executive Officer of SpeechCare Abu Dhabi, expressed the goal of aligning expertise across health, education, and community sectors to strengthen scientific research, build professional capacity, and ensure every child has a genuine opportunity to succeed in their communication journey.
The collaboration supports Abu Dhabi's ambition to strengthen preventive, integrated care models by combining research, clinical application, and professional training. Through this partnership, SAKINA and SpeechCare aim to contribute to evidence-based practice in digital wellbeing and expand specialised support that responds to evolving community needs.