Research · Pilot Programmes · Advocacy · AI Innovation
Social Prescribing Alliance network in the UAE
Building social prescribing for the UAE.
SPAN UAE brings together clinicians, researchers, public-health professionals, community leaders and innovators to develop the evidence, partnerships and practical models needed to advance social prescribing across the UAE.
In partnership with :
ADDRESSING WHAT MEDICINE ALONE CANNOT.
Social prescribing recognises that health is influenced by much more than medicine alone. It is a way of connecting you to local activities and support services that improve your health and well-being, acknowledging that our health is shaped by our social lives, our environment, and our sense of purpose.
A HOLISTIC RESET
Established Global Models
How Social Prescribing Works
The Conversation
Exploration beyond clinical symptoms to understand the social factors impacting wellness.
The Connection
Introduction to a Link Worker or wellness navigator who listens to what truly matters.
The Prescription
Co-creation of a social plan connecting to community groups, resources and creative workshops.
The Follow-up
Ongoing support and evaluation to ensure the social connection continues to fuel wellness.
ADDRESSING WHAT MEDICINE ALONE CANNOT.
Social prescribing recognises that health is influenced by much more than medicine alone. By looking beyond clinical symptoms to the whole person, we bridge the gap between healthcare and the community.
Clinical Care
Vital medical intervention and clinical frameworks for acute health needs.
Social Support
Addressing isolation, stress, and environmental factors through local networks.
Advocacy & Engagement
MAKING SOCIAL PRESCRIBING PART OF THE CONVERSATION
Social prescribing requires a shift in how we talk about health—from one-way clinical directions to multi-way community dialogues. We create platforms for advocacy that bridge the gap between policy and people, ensuring that health innovation is co-designed by the users who need it most.
HEALTHCARE
EDUCATION
COMMUNITY
RESEARCH
Our Work
FROM POSSIBILITY TO PRACTICE
Social prescribing starts with a simple belief: health is shaped far beyond the clinic. Our work is about turning that belief into something real for the UAE. Through research, pilot programmes, advocacy and responsible technology, we are building the evidence, systems and partnerships needed to connect people with the communities around them.
01
RESEARCH
Building a UAE evidence base through original research, collaborative studies and evaluation of how social prescribing can be understood, adapted and implemented within local healthcare and community settings.
02
PILOT PROGRAMMES
Developing practical models to explore how referral pathways, link-worker support, community resources and outcome measurement could operate within real UAE healthcare environments.
03
ADVOCACY
Building understanding of social prescribing across healthcare, education and community settings through professional engagement, public-health communication and evidence-informed advocacy.
04
AI INNOVATION
Exploring responsible technology that can help professionals navigate community resources, support referral pathways and strengthen evaluation while keeping decisions and relationships human-led.
HUMAN-LED. TECHNOLOGY-SUPPORTED.
S4SP
Students for Social Prescribing
Our dedicated branch for the next generation of health advocates. S4SP operates at a community level, empowering students to lead collaborative projects and explore social determinants of health.