ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) has announced that the emirate of Abu Dhabi recorded significant achievements in its volunteering ecosystem during the UAE Year of Community 2025, thereby demonstrating a clear reinforcement of a culture of giving and strengthening of community participation.
According to official data, the total number of registered volunteer hours in 2025 exceeded two million, while the number of registered volunteers reached approximately 30,000.
In addition, a total of 3,394 volunteering opportunities were offered through the approved platform, representing a 34 percent increase compared to 2024.
The economic value of volunteering activities, during the same year, was calculated to exceed Dh146 million ($39.6 million).
With the figures reflecting continuous growth compared to previous years, volunteer hours increased from 1.7 million hours in 2024 to more than 2 million hours in 2025, while the economic value of volunteering also saw a significant rise during the same period.
This growth highlights the increasing levels of community participation and reinforces volunteering as a fundamental pillar of Abu Dhabi’s social development ecosystem.
In the context of the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, this growth is a clear strengthening of the spirit of social participation and brings together different demographics of society around the values of giving and shared responsibility.
In this regard, DCD intensified its efforts to engage partners from government entities, third-sector organisations and educational institutions.
Over the course of 2025, DCD activations included organising a series of meetings and interactive activities with 26 government entities, private sector organisations and educational institutions to raise awareness of community participation and volunteering, while highlighting ways organisations and individuals can contribute to institutional and community volunteering initiatives, under the Year of Community initiative.
These joint efforts were reflected in the notable increase in participation in volunteering indicators recorded across the emirate during the year.
Executive Director of Community Engagement and Empowerment at DCD, His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, said, “These results reflect the integration of roles among various entities. DCD oversees and regulates the sector by developing policies, frameworks and impact measurement mechanisms, and has advanced volunteering frameworks in line with international best practices to build an integrated system that empowers community members and encourages participation.
“All of this, together, helps build a supportive and cohesive society. At the same time, the Emirates Foundation supports the operation of the National Volunteer Platform; empowering volunteers and volunteer teams through digital tools and specialised programmes that enhance readiness and sustainability across the sector.”
His Excellency further explained that the DCD has prioritised cooperation and coordination with other government entities, the private sector and the third sector entities to strengthen the volunteering environment and encourage individuals and volunteer teams to engage in this ecosystem.
This is achieved by developing a trained, effective volunteer environment and raising awareness of the importance of volunteering as a social priority that contributes to meaningful social impact.
DCD affirmed that these indicators demonstrate the transformation of volunteering in Abu Dhabi from individual initiatives into a structured institutional system based on governance, measurement and impact.
This transformation strengthens social capital, supports quality-of-life objectives and community empowerment through organised and impactful volunteering.
As part of the UAE’s Year of Family in 2026, DCD will continue encouraging all family members to participate in qualitative volunteering initiatives that strengthen family cohesion, nurture positive values and promote a culture of shared responsibility, within their families and society.
DCD will also work with partners to activate flexible and inclusive volunteering opportunities that enable families to participate together in community service activities, supporting the development of children’s skills, fostering leadership and generosity, and ensuring the sustainability of social impact across generations.