Post by : Bianca
Haleem
In 2025, during the UAE's declared “Year of Community,” the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) announced remarkable growth in volunteering, underscoring the emirate’s dedication to social engagement.
Official statistics reveal that volunteer hours surpassed 2 million, with approximately 30,000 registered participants. The number of volunteering opportunities available surged to 3,394, representing a significant 34% increase from the previous year. The economic benefit of these efforts was valued at over AED146 million (around $39.6 million).
The data highlights a consistent upward trajectory. Volunteer hours rose from 1.7 million in 2024 to more than 2 million in 2025, reflecting a substantial growth in the economic impact of volunteerism. This trend reinforces volunteering's significance in driving Abu Dhabi's social development.
To amplify the “Year of Community” initiatives, DCD expanded its outreach by teaming up with government bodies, private enterprises, and educational institutions. Throughout 2025, they hosted numerous meetings and interactive sessions with 26 partners to raise awareness and promote both institutional and individual involvement in volunteering.
Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Empowerment at DCD, emphasized that these outcomes reflect robust cross-sector cooperation. He noted that DCD has refined the volunteering framework through policy development and alignment with global best practices, fostering a more systematic approach to community engagement.
He also pointed out the essential role of the Emirates Foundation in maintaining the National Volunteer Platform, which is designed to support volunteers with digital resources and specialized programs for improving preparedness and sustainability.
DCD further observed that volunteering in Abu Dhabi has matured from informal actions into a structured system focused on governance, measurement, and impact—crucial for enhancing social capital and living standards.
Looking to the future, with 2026 set as the “Year of Family,” DCD aims to boost family involvement in volunteer initiatives by offering more flexible and inclusive options for communal service, instilling values like responsibility, leadership, and generosity among young generations.
These strategies are poised to sustain long-term social impact and enhance community unity across Abu Dhabi.
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