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Programme Overview

The BRIDGE programme is an evidence-based dementia care training programme designed to close the knowledge gap among healthcare staff in the United Arab Emirates. Rooted in Tom Kitwood's person-centred care principles, it applies a biopsychosocial approach to understanding dementia and addressing associated behavioural changes. The programme integrates cultural and traditional values, ensuring contextually relevant dementia care. It also addresses ethical dilemmas in dementia care and provides guidance on honouring dignity and personhood in end-of-life care.

Key Outcomes

The key outcomes of the programme include:

• Personalised Care: BRIDGE places each individual's personal, family, and cultural identity at the heart of care to ensure dignity and meaning.
• Knowledge that improves care: It simplifies complex behavioural and neuropsychological concepts into practical, actionable techniques that caregivers can effectively use in their routine care practices.
• Designed for the UAE: Grounded in extensive ethnographic research and real-world data analyses, BRIDGE directly addresses the needs of care teams working in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

Programme Structure

The programme is delivered through in-person sessions over 2.5 days at Middlesex University Dubai, Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP):

• Friday 13 February - 3PM to 6PM (with coffee break)
• Saturday 14 February - 9AM to 5.30PM (with coffee and lunch breaks)
• Sunday 15 February - 9AM – 5.30PM (with coffee and lunch breaks)

Programme Sessions

The programme consists of the following sessions:

• Day 1 - Session 1 – Personhood and Person-centred Dementia Care
• Day 2- Session 2 – Dementia and the Human Brain
• Day 2 - Session 3 – Behavioural Changes in Dementia
• Day 2 - Session 4 – Addressing Behavioural Changes in Dementia
• Day 3 - Session 5 – Family, Culture, and Traditions in Dementia Care
• Day 3 - Session 6 – Ethics & End-of-Life Dementia Care

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

The programme is accredited by the UK CPD Certification Service, confirming that it meets international standards for continuing professional development. Healthcare professionals may earn up to 15 Continuing Medical Education (CME) points upon completion, subject to approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Programme Fees

The programme fee is 3,000, with an early bird discount fee of 2,700 applicable for participants who confirm their place on the programme by Friday 23 January 2026. Discounts are available for group bookings.

Programme Leader

The programme is led by Seada Kassie, a senior lecturer in psychology at Middlesex University Dubai and a trained clinical researcher with postgraduate credentials from Harvard Medical School.

Target Audience

The programme is designed for nurses, physicians, therapists, care assistants, and home-care staff who support individuals living with dementia across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centres in the region. The programme is particularly aimed at:

• Home-care agency staff including nurses, nursing supervisors, and home care administrators
• Healthcare support staff in memory clinics and geriatric units
• Allied health professionals in rehabilitation and residential care centres
• Supervisors and unit managers in long-term care facilities