Dubai: Dh40 million worth of volunteer work contributed by 18,000 individuals in Q1 2024

Nearly 59,000 individuals are now registered on the volunteer platform of Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai — highlighting a growing commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility across the emirate.

In just the first quarter of 2024, more than 18,000 volunteers took part in organised programmes, collectively contributing over 500,000 hours of service — equivalent to an estimated Dh40 million in value. Specialised volunteering has also seen growth, with over 500 expert volunteers completing more than 100 assignments, adding 8,000 hours in skilled contributions.

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The total volunteer hours logged in 2024 have already crossed the one million mark, reflecting both public enthusiasm and institutional support for a more inclusive, service-oriented society.

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In line with this momentum, the CDA has launched a new initiative titled the ‘Volunteerism Awareness and Engagement’ project.

The programme is part of Dubai’s broader ‘Year of Community’ agenda and aims to strengthen civic participation by promoting a deeper understanding of volunteerism across all age groups.

The project not only highlights the value of volunteering and the ecosystem that supports it but also educates the public on volunteer rights and responsibilities. It provides a platform where individuals can create measurable social impact — whether through on-ground activities or by growing into leadership roles in the volunteer sector.

Aiming for more engagement

To drive deeper engagement, CDA hosted a community ideation workshop that brought together a diverse range of participants, including volunteer teams, government entities, charities, senior citizens, and people of determination. The workshop led to a series of inclusive projects aligned with the goals of the ‘Year of Community’.

Among the key outcomes was the formation of Dubai’s first volunteer team comprised of people of determination — empowering this segment of society to take on meaningful roles. The emirate’s first senior citizens’ volunteer team was also launched with members from the Thukher Club, in recognition of the wisdom and life experience of the older generation.

Several other initiatives were introduced, including:

• Mothers and Daughters, encouraging compassionate visits to hospital patients

• A Day with Senior Citizens, fostering intergenerational bonding

• Agriculture Zones, uniting students and the elderly in educational gardening projects

• A recycling awareness initiative aimed at promoting environmental responsibility

• Volunteer Leadership Hub, a capacity-building programme for developing certified volunteer leaders

• National identity programmes such as cultural etiquette (‘Sana’a’) sessions and national identity storytelling sessions

The CDA emphasises that these efforts represent a strategic shift in institutionalising volunteerism in Dubai. Backed by structured implementation plans and strong public-private-community partnerships, the goal is to ensure these programmes are sustainable, scalable, and impactful.

Khaleej Times Staff

webteam@khaleejtimes.com