Sharjah Award For Voluntary Work Registration Extended To January 31 2026
The Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work has extended registration for its 23rd cycle until 31st January 2026, giving individuals, institutions and volunteer teams more time to submit entries. The organisers aim to increase participation across all categories, deepen competition between initiatives, and support a wider culture of organised volunteering in Sharjah and across the UAE.
The 23rd cycle covers volunteer, humanitarian and social contributions carried out by individuals, families, teams and entities of different sizes. Applications are received through the Award’s website, and the organisers confirm that assessment of files will start directly after online registration closes on 31st January 2026.

The Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work includes 15 categories designed to recognise structured community service and encourage new volunteer practices. The programme targets neighbourhood groups, educational institutions, private organisations and public bodies, so that each sector can present documented initiatives, measure social impact and highlight sustainable volunteer projects that address real community needs.
Several categories focus on institutional and community-level participation in Sharjah and beyond. These categories reward neighbourhood initiatives, social responsibility programmes and providers of volunteer opportunities that deliver measurable and long-term benefits.
| Category | Focus |
|---|---|
| Role Model Volunteer Award | Individuals and families nominated by government and private entities |
| Best Neighbourhood in Volunteer Work Award | Neighbourhood and village councils in Sharjah |
| Excellence in Social Responsibility Award | Institutions of all sizes with innovative social initiatives |
| Best Volunteer Opportunities Provider Award | Entities and teams offering sustainable volunteer opportunities |
| Outstanding Supporter of Volunteer Work Award | Financial or knowledge-based support, including policy development |
| Best Volunteer Initiative Award | Impactful initiatives by public, private and community actors |
The award structure also covers personal participation, higher education and school engagement, as well as inclusive volunteering. Categories include the Record Number of Volunteer Hours Award, the University Student Award, the Volunteer Knight Award for school students, the Authenticity Award for senior citizens, and the Himmah Award for the best volunteer participation by People of Determination.
Further prizes within the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work recognise organisational and specialised roles in community service. These include the Best Private Entity Award, the Best Volunteer Team Award and the Best Young Volunteer Team Leader Award. The Excellence in Specialised Volunteering Award highlights individuals or teams who use scientific or professional skills in focused volunteer projects that achieve sustainable social outcomes.
Dr. Jassim Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Award, stated that participation has increased annually, reflecting a growing awareness of the role of volunteering in promoting humanitarian values and supporting sustainable development. He said the registration extension was granted to allow applicants to prepare submissions more effectively.
Suad Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Award, said the 23rd cycle includes new categories aligned with community needs, adding that evaluation will begin immediately after registration closes. She urged individuals, institutions and volunteer teams to take part, describing volunteer work as an investment in building a resilient and cohesive society.
The Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work now offers wider space for contributions from government bodies, private organisations, educational institutions, neighbourhood groups and families. By extending registration and expanding categories, the programme supports structured volunteer efforts in the UAE, encourages measurable social impact, and gives visibility to initiatives that strengthen solidarity and shared responsibility within the community.
With inputs from WAM