The UAE has launched a comprehensive volunteering initiative targeting 600,000 active volunteers. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the ‘Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem’ on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, introducing a Dh100 million fund and digital platform to strengthen the country’s nonprofit sector.
The initiative aims to position the UAE among the world’s top three countries in the World Giving Index through strategic programmes spanning volunteer recruitment, nonprofit support, and community engagement.
What is the Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem?
The ecosystem represents a national strategy to grow volunteering participation whilst supporting nonprofit organisations. The initiative includes eight strategic programmes operating through two integrated tracks: promoting volunteering culture and empowering nonprofit organisations.
Sheikh Mohammed stated: “From Qasr Al Watan, we launched the UAE Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem, a national initiative that includes a comprehensive strategy to grow the country’s volunteer base to 600,000. It also introduces a unified digital platform and supports the third sector and public benefit organisations.”
The programme aims to increase licensed nonprofit organisations by 30% through a single services portal, community project incubators, and the Dh100 million fund.
The launch coincides with the ‘Year of Community’ and aligns with national directives to enhance social cohesion and support nonprofit organisations as key drivers of sustainable community development.
What is Volunteers.ae 2.0?
Volunteers.ae 2.0 serves as the digital hub for volunteering across the UAE. The platform connects individual skills with available opportunities through an interactive, user-friendly interface.
The system provides specialised pathways designed to make volunteering easier and more effective. Users can browse opportunities, register for activities, and track their volunteer hours through the centralised platform.
This builds on existing volunteering frameworks established in the UAE, offering year-round opportunities beyond traditional seasonal volunteering periods.
What are the eight strategic initiatives?
The Ministry of Community Empowerment implements eight programmes split between volunteer culture development and nonprofit sector empowerment.
Volunteering culture initiatives:
National Volunteering Strategy provides a unified framework establishing volunteering as a core community value. The strategy focuses on developing policies, expanding volunteering opportunities, and encouraging participation across all society segments.
Volunteers.ae 2.0 operates as the comprehensive digital platform connecting skills with opportunities across the emirates.
‘7 Over 7’ Campaign promotes skill-based volunteering across all seven emirates, fostering greater community participation and collaboration through seven distinct opportunities.
‘Your Time Counts’ embeds volunteering culture within the federal government sector. The programme motivates government employees to contribute through volunteering and links voluntary leave to performance management system standards. Implementation occurs through partnership with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.
Nonprofit sector empowerment:
One Stop Shop streamlines services and procedures into a single integrated digital platform for nonprofit organisations.
Dh100 Million Empowerment Fund allocates significant capital to the nonprofit sector, promoting sustainable national investment with measurable impact.
Nonprofit Sector Launchpad serves as an incubator transforming ideas into licensed, impactful nonprofit organisations.
Plug-in for Leadership Programmes prepares new generations of leaders with deep understanding of nonprofit organisations as strategic partners in national development.
How does ‘Your Time Counts’ work for government employees?
Federal government employees can contribute through volunteering with voluntary leave linked to performance management standards. The programme operates through partnership with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, following official guidelines.
This represents a significant development in UAE government employment practices, formally recognising community contribution as part of professional performance evaluation.
What are the five-year targets?
The initiative sets ambitious benchmarks to be achieved over five years:
- Elevate UAE’s ranking to be among the world’s top three countries in the World Giving Index
- Expand the base of active volunteers to 600,000
- Contribute a total of 15 million volunteer hours
- Double the contribution of nonprofit organisations to national GDP
- Create 10,000 new jobs across the nonprofit sector
- Increase the number of licensed nonprofit organisations by 30%
These targets reflect the scale of transformation planned for UAE’s community development sector, creating both immediate volunteering opportunities and long-term nonprofit sector employment.
Who can participate in volunteering programmes?
UAE citizens and residents can participate in volunteer activities through the Volunteers.ae platform. The programmes welcome participants from all segments of society, including students, professionals, and retirees.
Federal Law No. (13) of 2018 governs volunteer work in the UAE, establishing clear guidelines for participation. Individuals aged 18 and above can volunteer independently, whilst those under 18 can participate with parental permission.
What support do nonprofit organisations receive?
The Dh100 million Empowerment Fund provides financial support to nonprofit organisations. The One Stop Shop platform streamlines licensing, registration, and operational procedures into a single system.
The Nonprofit Sector Launchpad offers incubator services for new organisations, providing resources and guidance to transform ideas into licensed entities. Leadership development programmes prepare management talent specifically for nonprofit sector roles.
These support mechanisms aim to strengthen the operational capacity of organisations across the sector, similar to government support initiatives in other UAE economic sectors.
How will this create 10,000 new jobs?
The 10,000 jobs target spans multiple areas within the nonprofit sector:
- Direct employment within expanding nonprofit organisations
- Support services including consulting, training, and mentorship roles
- Platform management and technology positions supporting Volunteers.ae 2.0
- Administrative and coordination roles managing increased volunteer activities
- Programme development and implementation positions
Job creation occurs through both the expansion of existing organisations and the establishment of new nonprofits supported by the Launchpad incubator programme.
For those interested in career opportunities in the UAE, the nonprofit sector represents a growing employment area combining professional development with community impact.
What role does the Ministry of Community Empowerment play?
The Ministry of Community Empowerment leads implementation through close partnerships with Emirates Foundation, local government entities, nonprofit organisations, and private sector partners.
The ministry coordinates the delivery of all eight strategic initiatives, manages the One Stop Shop platform, and oversees the distribution of the Dh100 million fund.
This coordination reflects the UAE government’s approach to cross-sector collaboration in delivering major national initiatives.
What is the ‘Year of Community’?
The ecosystem launch coincides with the UAE’s designated ‘Year of Community’, focusing national attention on social cohesion, volunteer work, and community development.
This annual thematic focus aligns government initiatives, private sector programmes, and community activities around common goals. The volunteering ecosystem represents a flagship initiative within this year-long emphasis on strengthening community bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register on Volunteers.ae 2.0?
Visit Volunteers.ae to create your volunteer profile. The platform requires basic information including contact details, skills, interests, and availability. Once registered, you can browse available opportunities and apply for activities matching your preferences.
Do I need specific qualifications to volunteer?
Most volunteer opportunities don’t require formal qualifications. The platform matches activities to your existing skills and interests. Some specialised roles (such as medical volunteering) may require relevant credentials, but general community volunteering welcomes participants from all backgrounds.
Can expatriates participate in volunteering programmes?
Yes. UAE residents of all nationalities can participate in volunteering activities. The programmes specifically welcome participation from all segments of society, including the expatriate community. Registration through Volunteers.ae is open to both citizens and residents.
How many hours do I need to volunteer?
Volunteer commitments vary by activity. Some opportunities require just a few hours, whilst others involve ongoing commitments. The Volunteers.ae platform allows you to filter opportunities based on time requirements and your availability.
Will I receive certification for volunteer work?
Yes. Volunteers receive official certificates acknowledging their community service upon completion of activities. These certificates can be valuable for employment applications, university admissions, and professional development portfolios.
Can companies participate in corporate volunteering?
Yes. The ecosystem includes provisions for corporate participation and employee volunteering programmes. Companies can register corporate volunteering initiatives and connect employees with opportunities through the platform.
How does the Dh100 million fund work?
The Empowerment Fund provides financial support to registered nonprofit organisations. Eligible organisations can apply for funding to support programmes, operations, and growth initiatives. Distribution follows assessment of proposals based on impact, sustainability, and alignment with national development goals.
What sectors can nonprofit organisations work in?
The ecosystem supports nonprofit organisations across all sectors including education, healthcare, environment, social services, arts and culture, and community development. The Nonprofit Sector Launchpad particularly encourages innovation in addressing community needs through various approaches.
How does volunteering link to government employee performance?
Under the ‘Your Time Counts’ programme, federal government employees can take voluntary leave for community service. This volunteering contribution links to performance management system standards, meaning community service can positively influence performance evaluations. Implementation follows Federal Authority for Government Human Resources guidelines.
What is the World Giving Index?
The World Giving Index, published by the Charities Aid Foundation, ranks countries based on charitable giving behaviours including donating money, volunteering time, and helping strangers. The UAE aims to rank among the top three countries globally through this initiative.
Further Reading
- Complete Guide: How to Volunteer During Ramadan 2025 in UAE (Age & Requirements)
- UAE Startup Campaign Explained: 10,000 Trained, 30,000 Jobs Created
- 10 Dubai Government Jobs for Expats in 2025: Salaries Up to Dh30,000
- Work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Complete Guide to Finding Jobs in 2025
- UAE Ministry Launches 18 Digital Services for Employers and Workers
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