TALAH TURK (ABU DHABI)
The UAE consistently ranks highly across global rankings and indices, but what truly sets it apart is its strong sense of community across all seven emirates.
Home to people from all corners of the world, the UAE invests heavily in nurturing and protecting the communities that call it home.
The nation’s people-first approach is deeply embedded in leadership and governance, with emphasis on social cohesion and quality of life.
Following the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 2025 was designated the Year of Community, followed by 2026 as the Year of Family, both of which aim to strengthen the fabric of society and foster a deeper sense of belonging.
Even in challenging times, the UAE’s commitment to its people remains unwavering. His Highness the President has stressed that everyone in the UAE, citizen or resident, is part of the nation’s responsibility. His Highness said: “Residents are our guests and our extended family.”
The UAE has consistently translated these principles into action on the ground, strengthening a sense of belonging for all.
Contributions of 'UAE Year of’ Initiative
The UAE has actively built a culture of belonging through its “UAE Year of” initiative, creating a shared national purpose for both citizens and residents.
Since 2015, every year has been assigned a certain theme aligned with national priorities, uniting everyone residing in the UAE around a common goal.
From values such as giving and tolerance to more recent themes of community and family, all themes have enabled the people of the UAE to propel the nation forward and bring people closer.
In 2025, the “Year of Community” was declared under the theme “Hand in Hand,” encouraging people to “Unite, grow and contribute towards a more empowered community.”
Building on this momentum, 2026’s “Year of Family” invites citizens and residents “to celebrate the family as the foundation of a strong, united, and compassionate community,” under the slogan “Growing in Unity”.
Governmental Department Dedicated to the Community
The UAE has established several public sector entities that aim to strengthen community ties and enhance social wellbeing, such as the Ministry of Community Empowerment, Ministry of Family, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (ADDCD).
These institutions play a vital role in ensuring that both citizens and residents feel supported, heard, included, and taken care of.
The Ministry of Community Empowerment leads long-term development grounded in social and economic inclusion, viewing empowerment as the foundation of sustainable social development.
Through programmes that encourage participation and social engagement, it fosters productivity, strengthens community involvement, and advances forward-looking policies designed to deliver lasting social impact.
At its core is a vision of a cohesive and resilient society that elevates the role of the individual, empowers the third sector, and enhances the spirit of shared responsibility, public service, and unity.
Volunteering: A Selfless Movement for Impact
The culture of volunteering is alive and well in the UAE, where people are quick to step forward when collective action is needed. Students are encouraged from a young age to give back to their community, shaping a lifelong habit of service.
As a result, volunteering is not seen as a chore, but a shared responsibility and national duty that uplifts others, strengthens the fabric of society and promotes the country’s sustainable future.
This spirit of giving back is supported by a network of entities that drive this social transformation movement, including the UAE Volunteer Platform, Emirates Red Crescent, and Emirates Foundation.
These institutions help structure and streamline the process to maximise benefit and social impact. With a wide range of opportunities to sign up for, volunteers can easily find the perfect campaign fit that aligns with their skills and interests.