JobXDubai

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, three UAE residents have been granted the coveted Golden Visa for their exceptional volunteer work. These expats, hailing from India, Uganda, and the Philippines, have dedicated thousands of hours to various causes, from Ramadan food distribution to assisting at Dubai Metro stations.

Meet the Dedicated Volunteers

Arshad Junaid: From Bihar to Dubai’s Volunteer Champion

• 32-year-old Indian expat working in Dubai’s auto spare parts industry
• Completed over 1,000 volunteer hours since 2018
• Inspired by a Khaleej Times article to start volunteering
• Faced initial challenges but persevered despite skepticism from friends

Junaid shares, “Volunteering has become my hobby now. It hasn’t been easy, especially since it’s unpaid work. But for me, social work is a noble pursuit.”

Mubarack Nsubuga: Engineering a Better Community

• 27-year-old Ugandan mechanical engineering technician in Abu Dhabi
• Started volunteering at Expo 2020 Dubai
• Accumulated 600 volunteer hours, qualifying for Golden Visa nomination
• Active in sports events, cultural festivals, and environmental initiatives

Nsubuga reflects, “When I accumulated 600 volunteering hours, I realised I was eligible to apply for the Golden Visa nomination in the humanitarian pioneers category.”

J Rom Anoling dela Cruz: A Birthday Gift of Golden Proportions

• Filipino finance manager, Dubai resident for 10 years
• Received Golden Visa just before his 36th birthday
• Completed over 600 volunteer hours since early 2024
• Volunteers daily at Dubai Metro after work

Dela Cruz exclaims,

“It’s actually a rewarding job – the smile you receive from people you help is a big reward in itself. Then came the Golden Visa, which is really a big bonus.”

The Impact of Volunteering

These expats have contributed to various causes, including:

• Ramadan Iftar food distribution
• Guiding passengers at Dubai Metro
• Serving as event marshals
• Packaging relief goods
• Environmental clean-up initiatives

Their efforts not only benefit the community but have also led to personal growth and unexpected opportunities, such as meeting prominent figures and receiving the prestigious Golden Visa.

How to Earn a Golden Visa Through Volunteering

For those inspired by these stories, the UAE offers several platforms to register for volunteering opportunities:

• volunteers.ae (Official Dubai Government volunteer platform)
• Emirates Red Crescent
• Ma’an (Abu Dhabi)
• Various community organisations

By accumulating sufficient volunteer hours (typically 600+), expats may become eligible for Golden Visa nomination in the humanitarian pioneers category.

As these inspiring stories show, volunteering in the UAE can lead to more than just personal fulfillment – it can open doors to long-term residency and a deeper connection with the country.