Post by : Bianca Suleiman
The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) has announced a significant rise in volunteer activities during 2025, recognized as the UAE’s “Year of Community.” This increase signifies a thriving culture of altruism and enhanced community involvement throughout the emirate.
Official statistics reveal that volunteer hours surpassed 2 million, with nearly 30,000 citizens registered as volunteers. Furthermore, the number of volunteering opportunities surged to 3,394 via the approved platform, representing a 34% increase from 2024. The economic impact of these activities was estimated at over AED146 million (around $39.6 million).
The report shows a consistent upward trend over the years. Volunteer hours increased from 1.7 million in 2024 to over 2 million in 2025, alongside a marked enhancement in the economic contribution of volunteer initiatives. This growth underscores the significance of volunteering as a fundamental aspect of Abu Dhabi’s social development agenda.
As part of the initiatives for the Year of Community, DCD enhanced its collaborative approach by working alongside government bodies, private enterprises, and educational institutions. Throughout 2025, the department engaged in numerous discussions and interactive sessions with 26 partner organizations to raise awareness of volunteerism and foster both individual and institutional involvement.
Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Empowerment at DCD, remarked that these results mirror robust collaboration across different sectors. He noted that DCD has fortified the volunteering framework by establishing policies, frameworks, and impact measurement methods that align with global best practices, thereby creating a structured environment for community action.
He also emphasized the National Volunteer Platform's role, managed by the Emirates Foundation, which aids volunteers with digital tools and specialized programs aimed at enhancing readiness and sustainability.
According to DCD, the volunteering landscape in Abu Dhabi has transitioned from individual efforts to a well-structured, institutional framework focused on governance and impact analysis. This change is crucial for strengthening social capital, boosting quality of life, and empowering communities through coordinated engagement.
Looking forward, with 2026 recognized as the “Year of Family,” DCD intends to foster greater family involvement in volunteer initiatives. The department plans to introduce accessible and flexible opportunities for families to participate together in community service, nurturing values like responsibility, leadership, and generosity in future generations.
Such initiatives are expected to yield sustainable social benefits and enhance community unity throughout the emirate.
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