Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Haroun | Health | Women Researcher Award

Zayed University, United Arab Emirates

Author Profile

Scopus 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dalia Haroun’s academic journey reflects a steadfast dedication to the field of nutrition and child health. Her passion for understanding the complexities of human nutrition began at the American University of Beirut, where she earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Nutrition and Dietetics between 1998 and 2002. This foundational education shaped her interest in the broader implications of diet on human development, particularly in the vulnerable stages of childhood.

With a desire to deepen her expertise, Dr. Haroun pursued a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Immunology at the University of Surrey, London, from 2003 to 2004. Graduating with distinction, she wrote a thesis on the hydration of fat-free mass in obese versus non-obese children, which set the stage for her future research. Her academic curiosity continued at University College London, where she completed her Ph.D. in Child Health between 2005 and 2008. Her doctoral thesis, titled “Body Composition in Childhood Obesity,” established her as a dedicated scholar committed to investigating the health challenges faced by children in modern society.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Haroun is currently serving as an Associate Professor of Nutrition and Co-Chair of the Department of Health Sciences at Zayed University, located in the United Arab Emirates. Since 2011, she has contributed meaningfully to the academic and professional growth of the department while actively mentoring future public health and nutrition professionals.

Her educational background has been supplemented by various specialized trainings that underscore her multidisciplinary expertise. These include DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) training, Good Clinical Practice, and Peapod Body Composition Assessment training, in addition to certifications in First Aid and CPR. These credentials empower her to bring both academic depth and practical insights to the classroom and her research endeavors.

In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Haroun has actively participated in organizing national and regional initiatives related to public health awareness. Her role at Zayed University allows her to blend pedagogy, community engagement, and scientific investigation—qualities that have defined her professional character.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Haroun’s scholarly focus lies in child health, with an emphasis on body composition, childhood obesity, metabolic syndrome, and the psychosocial aspects of health such as bullying among children. Her research is interdisciplinary, bridging nutrition science with public health and behavioral studies.

A significant aspect of her work involves evaluating the physiological and psychological consequences of obesity among youth. Through her studies, Dr. Haroun explores how nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial variables interact and affect the health outcomes of children. Her academic contributions, including peer-reviewed publications, are vital resources in the regional and global discourse surrounding childhood nutrition and health equity.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Over the years, Dr. Haroun has been repeatedly recognized for her tireless efforts in promoting child health in the UAE and beyond. In 2014, she was honored by the Ministry of Health for orchestrating a successful National Training Workshop on the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Her consistent engagement in awareness campaigns and health education projects has earned her commendations from a variety of national bodies. The Dubai Education Zone, Ministry of Education, General Women’s Union, and UNICEF have all recognized her impactful work in areas such as child obesity prevention, injury awareness, and diabetes education. In 2010, she was honored by the Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health, Physical Education, and School Sports, a prestigious acknowledgment of her community-centric contributions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Haroun’s influence stretches far beyond academic walls. Through her combined teaching, research, and public health initiatives, she has helped shape health policies and school-based intervention programs in the UAE. Her efforts have directly impacted thousands of children and families, particularly in the domains of obesity prevention, nutritional awareness, and health education.

Her collaborative projects with governmental and non-governmental organizations demonstrate a commitment not only to scholarship but also to societal well-being. By fostering partnerships and engaging in interdisciplinary efforts, she continues to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Dalia Haroun is well-positioned to continue her legacy as a pioneering scholar and community advocate in the Middle East and globally. Her future research is expected to delve deeper into the social determinants of child health, exploring innovative interventions to combat obesity and metabolic disorders.

As she continues to mentor students and professionals, she ensures that the next generation of health leaders are equipped with the knowledge, empathy, and scientific rigor required to tackle the world’s pressing health challenges. Her journey from a promising nutrition student in Beirut to a globally recognized academic leader in the UAE exemplifies a life of purpose, impact, and transformative vision.

📝Notable Publications

Validity of self-reported weight and height among female young adults in the United Arab Emirates