Abu Dhabi Department Of Community Development Celebrates Volunteers' Impact On Social Cohesion

The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), in partnership with the Emirates Foundation, recently hosted an event at Nabdh Al Falah community hub. This gathering celebrated volunteers' contributions to social cohesion and participation. The event coincided with International Volunteer Day on 5 December and marked the end of activities for the UAE's Year of Community 2025.

Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, and Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, CEO of the Emirates Foundation, attended alongside officials from various sectors. Their presence highlighted volunteerism's significance in Abu Dhabi's social and economic growth. The event emphasised the Emirati tradition of community service, which is deeply ingrained in local culture.

The volunteer sector has seen significant growth due to regulatory policies that have simplified participation. These changes have encouraged more individuals to contribute their time and efforts. Dr Al Khaili toured an exhibition showcasing volunteer programmes and opportunities during the event. Entertainment activities, support services, recognition giveaways, and exclusive benefits for volunteers were also featured.

Numerous organisations participated, including PureHealth, ADNOC, Miral, the Emirates Red Crescent, Abu Dhabi Police, Ma’an Authority of Social Contribution, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport. They presented their volunteer initiatives that promote a culture of giving back to society. Volunteer teams like Ata’a Hamdan Volunteer Team and Zayed Volunteer Team for Search and Rescue shared inspiring models of their work.

Interactive sessions such as "Achievements Corner" and "Close-to-Heart Talks" highlighted success stories and societal impacts. Volunteers from Zayed University and UAE University shared experiences through these platforms. The event also introduced updates to Volunteers.ae, enhancing volunteer engagement through a digital ecosystem that manages opportunities and records hours.

Empowering Community Participation

Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi stated: "Emirates Foundation continues to uphold its commitment to empowering the community and promoting volunteerism as a key driver of sustainable development and social cohesion." He emphasised aligning efforts with national priorities to enhance quality of life.

Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi from DCD noted: "Volunteerism plays a vital role in fostering participation within our society." He appreciated partners' roles in creating environments that encourage individual and organisational participation for positive impact.

In 2024, Abu Dhabi recorded over 1.7 million volunteer hours valued at AED 123 million economically. Increased opportunities and public participation were supported by updated policies like "Volunteer in 60 Seconds," simplifying registration processes over the past year.

The DCD remains committed to developing volunteerism through strategic partnerships that strengthen humanitarian values within society. Volunteers significantly contributed during the UAE’s Year of Community (2025), reinforcing Abu Dhabi as a model for responsible volunteer work across the nation.

With inputs from WAM