In a major step to deepen civic engagement, Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA) has launched the ‘Volunteerism Awareness and Engagement’ project, a wide-reaching initiative aimed at strengthening a culture of giving and empowering all members of society to contribute to Dubai’s development.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness of the value of volunteering, define the ecosystem that supports it, and clarify the rights and responsibilities of volunteers. By offering a structured platform, it encourages field-based service, leadership in volunteer programmes, and inclusive participation across all age groups and community segments.
As part of the initiative, the CDA recently held a multi-stakeholder ideation workshop with government bodies, NGOs, volunteer teams, senior citizens, and People of Determination. The session resulted in a range of community-driven projects, including:
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Dubai’s first volunteer teams of senior citizens and People of Determination
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'Mothers and Daughters' initiative, encouraging visits to hospital patients
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'A Day with Senior Citizens' initiative, fostering inter-generational connections
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'Agriculture Zones' initiative, where youth and the elderly engage in educational gardening projects.
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Recycling awareness campaigns to promote sustainability
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'Volunteer Leadership Hub' programme for training certified volunteer leaders
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Cultural and national identity sessions for youth and community members
The CDA says these projects reflect a strategic shift in how volunteerism is being woven into Dubai’s social fabric, with strong public-private partnerships ensuring long-term impact.