Exploring issues related to disappearing rural areas in the UAE: In search of the critical role of social workers

Summary: This study aims to identify and quantitatively assess the challenges faced by residents of disappearing rural areas, which present significant obstacles for social workers, and to outline potential solutions using the example of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). For this purpose, interviews were conducted with social workers (n = 112), and questionnaires were administered to residents of disappearing rural areas (n = 101) and prosperous villages (n = 121). Findings: The results of the questionnaire were compared using Student's t-test, which showed statistically significant differences for UAE citizens between the components combined in the categories Loss of home (p_value=.01, at p <.05), Material reasons (p_value =.043 at p <.05), Privacy (p_value =.039, at p <.05), and Medical support (p_value =.05 at p <.05). According to the ratings provided by participants, the component that received the highest weight was Loss of home, with an average rating of 4.5 points across the sample of citizens. In contrast, noncitizens assigned equal importance to Loss of home and Medical support, with an average rating of 4.3 points for each of these components. To solve the problems identified with the help of a social worker, it is proposed to actively use modern technology to find and perform work, obtain information, and consult with doctors and psychologists through video communication, with the social worker acting as a prompting and technical assistant. Applications: In addition to offering suggestions to social workers, this study provides important information for policymakers at different levels of government to adopt constructive social welfare reforms for residents of disappearing rural settlements.