Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has unveiled a new Volunteering Policy aimed at enhancing community participation and streamlining volunteer registration processes. Announced on Wednesday (October 9), the updated policy will allow volunteers to easily register through the Emirates Volunteers platform and log their hours with greater transparency. The new initiative seeks to encourage more residents to get involved in community service while fostering an inclusive and efficient volunteering environment that aligns with professional standards and UAE cultural values. "This policy is designed to increase volunteer participation across sectors and strengthen community engagement," said Mohamed Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Sports Sector at DCD. In addition to simplified registration, volunteers will benefit from clearer guidelines regarding their roles and responsibilities. The new policy also provides greater protections for all parties involved, ensuring a safe and structured volunteer experience. The Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an, a key partner in this initiative, has been instrumental in developing programs that address community needs. "This policy will enhance our efforts to create impactful volunteering opportunities that address social priorities," said Maysa Alnuwais, Executive Director of Ma’an. Abu Dhabi recorded more than 873,000 volunteer hours in 2023, a 63 percent increase from the previous year, reflecting the growing impact of community involvement. The Emirates Foundation, which manages the Volunteers.ae platform, emphasized the importance of these updates in revitalizing the spirit of volunteerism across the emirate. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page