Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a remarkable highlight for the UAE’s "Year of Community," the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) has announced impressive growth in volunteering efforts in 2025. This surge underscores a burgeoning culture of philanthropic engagement in the emirate.

The reported figures reveal that volunteer hours surpassed 2 million this year, with around 30,000 individuals registered as volunteers. Additionally, more than 3,394 volunteering opportunities were provided through the official platform, reflecting a substantial 34% rise compared to the previous year. The economic value attributed to these volunteering efforts is estimated at AED146 million (approximately $39.6 million).

A year-on-year comparison shows consistent growth, with volunteer hours climbing from 1.7 million in 2024 to over 2 million in 2025. This trend illustrates the increasing significance of volunteerism within Abu Dhabi’s social development strategy.

As part of the initiatives marking the Year of Community, DCD intensified its outreach by partnering with various governmental, private, and educational organizations. During 2025, the department conducted numerous consultations and interactive forums with 26 partners to boost awareness and foster both institutional and individual involvement.

Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Empowerment at DCD, noted that these statistics are indicative of robust cross-sector collaboration. He pointed out that DCD has fortified the volunteering ecosystem by implementing policies and frameworks aligned with global standards, thereby creating a more effective environment for community engagement.

He also acknowledged the critical role of the Emirates Foundation in managing the National Volunteer Platform, which offers volunteers essential digital tools and tailored programs aimed at enhancing readiness and future sustainability.

The DCD further emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s volunteering landscape has shifted from isolated efforts into a systematic approach founded on governance, evaluation, and impact assessment. This evolution is pivotal for bolstering social capital and enhancing living standards while empowering communities through structured participation.

Looking forward, with 2026 dubbed the "Year of Family," DCD has plans to further encourage family involvement in volunteer activities. The department aims to roll out flexible opportunities that enable families to engage jointly in community service, instilling values like responsibility, leadership, and generosity in future generations.

These initiatives are anticipated to yield sustainable social outcomes and strengthen community ties throughout the emirate.

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