Year of Community, EF collaboration boosts Volunteer Part.

Building on the growing interest, Emirates Foundation plans to launch an expanding range of community-focused initiatives, offering individuals meaningful ways to contribute their time and expertise for the benefit of society. These initiatives are designed to align closely with national priorities and the goals of the Year of Community, ensuring a coordinated and impactful approach to volunteering and social development.

Emirates Foundation is a national organisation dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through volunteering, capacity-building, and social innovation. In support of the UAE’s Year of Community, the Foundation drives initiatives that foster active citizenship and social responsibility.

Mohamed AL Hosani , Director of Programs at Emirates Foundation, noted: “We’ve seen a remarkable rise in the number of volunteers this year, with an increase of 22.7%  compared to 2024. UAE nationals and residents are stepping forward with a shared desire to give back. It’s inspiring to witness the energy, commitment and pride with which individuals are engaging in initiatives that truly matter. This partnership with the Year of Community allows us to amplify our efforts and deliver greater impact across the UAE.”

Key programs include Takatof which provides structured volunteering across sectors; and Sanid, the national emergency response volunteer program, which builds community resilience through crisis preparedness, and manages Volunteers.ae, the national platform that connects everyone who calls the UAE home to meaningful volunteer roles.

Volunteers attest to the transformative power of service. Salem Khaled bin Bishr, a long-time volunteer, shared: “I began volunteering at university events. It ultimately changed my academic path and became a way of life. Volunteering strengthens my communication skills and expands my awareness. It may be a societal duty,  but it also breaks monotony and shifts our perspective on life.”

Volunteers have expressed that modest contributions can often create a lasting impact and change people’s lives. Mohammed Al Balooshi recounted his experience building a school in Nepal: “Seeing children watch their dream of education take shape made me realise how small individual efforts can lead to meaningful impact. The locals at the village greeted us with such joy, it was a moment I will always cherish.”

The Foundation also leads Dawamee, supporting Emirati employment in the private sector through flexible work opportunities. Further, Ne'ma promotes food sustainability by reducing waste and redistributing surplus food, while Active Abu Dhabi encourages physical and mental well-being through community-focused wellness programs.

Together, these initiatives reflect the Foundation’s commitment to enabling impactful community participation and contributing to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable community.

Rauda Al Falasi, Project Lead at the Year of Community, said: “‘Hand in Hand’ is more than just a slogan. It embodies the spirit of our nation. When we come together in service of one another, we can strengthen the social connections and reflect the UAE’s core values of compassion, unity, and collective responsibility. Volunteering is a vital force in building a stronger, more inclusive society, and we are proud to work alongside Emirates Foundation to bring this vision to life.”

We call on everyone who calls the UAE home to explore volunteer opportunities, contribute their skills, and help strengthen the nation’s social connections.