A new nationwide initiative has been launched, which is aimed at encouraging greater community participation and expanding the country’s volunteer base to 600,000 people.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the 'UAE Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem' on Wednesday, 29 October, from Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi. The new strategy is designed to make volunteering simpler, more accessible and more impactful across the country.
A key part of the initiative is 'Volunteers.ae 2.0', an upgraded digital platform that matches people’s skills with volunteering opportunities. The platform allows users to explore projects, register easily and track their contributions, helping connect passionate individuals with causes that matter most.
Another initiative announced is '7 Over 7', a campaign offering seven skill-based volunteering opportunities across the seven emirates, encouraging residents to give back through their professional and personal expertise.
For government employees, the 'Your Time Counts' initiative allows staff to dedicate time to volunteer work, with their participation recognised within the federal performance management system.
The strategy also strengthens the non-profit sector through a Dhs 100 million 'Empowerment Fund' and a new digital platform to streamline services for community-focused organisations.
The Ministry of Community Empowerment, in partnership with Emirates Foundation and local entities, will oversee the implementation of these initiatives.