المجتمع المدني في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة : دراسة في واقع و مستقبل الجمعيات ذات النفع العام

Abstract EN

Public Utility Associations represents the backbone of civil society in the United Arab Emirates.

Given the important role they play in terms of developmental activities where they complement the role of the state and the private sector in this area.

Thus, the objective of this study is to determine and analyze the current status of Public Utility Associations in the United Arab Emirates, in order to identify the most important factors that contributed to their development, and the nature of their activities and tasks.

In addition, the study seeks to evaluate their effectiveness in performing their roles, and in achieving their goals, and to develop some plans and proposals to enhance their effectiveness.

Humanitarian, charitable and cultural awareness activities are still predominant on the work of Public Utility Associations in the United Arab Emirates.

In spite of some disparities between these associations in terms of efficiency and performance, they are still lagging behind the required level.

Many reasons explain this shortcoming, such as: lack of funding, the waning of volunteerism in the society, weakness in relation to the state, the modesty of the regulatory and institutional capacity, a weak participation commitment of both members and leaders in most activities of these associations, and internal disputes which negatively affect their performance.

Consequently, the future of Public Utility Associations depends on several factors, amongst: the extent of effectiveness in re-considering the values and culture of volunteerism in the society; where volunteer work is the core idea of civil society, updating legislations governing their work, the ability of the associations to undertake internal reforms.

Therefore, the State, the associations and the society at large all share the responsibility for the development of these Public Utility Associations