Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s volunteers recently came together in a community event that honoured their contributions to society and celebrated the inspiring stories that foster a culture of giving and compassion in the emirate.
The Department of Community Development (DCD), in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation, held the event called “The Pulse of Volunteerism” at Nabdh Al Falah ahead of International Volunteer Day on December 5.
Six distinguished volunteer teams took part in the event, each making a difference in various fields. “Their role is not only to highlight their accomplishments but also to encourage further participation and community engagement from the public,” said Nouf Al Hashmi, Acting Division Manager of Community Engagement at DCD.
Al Hashmi said these entities bolster the emirate’s volunteering ecosystem by “empowering volunteers, creating diverse opportunities across different categories, and providing incentives”.
She expressed hoped that the gathering would help create a stronger culture of volunteering — one where more individuals selflessly lend a hand and serve their community.
Fares Ba Nafa, Director of Operations at the Emirati Marshals Programme, said the event provided a significant platform for dialogue about the impact of volunteerism.
“Our presence [at the event] aims to encourage the community to engage in conversations about volunteerism and its impact on society across the UAE,” he said.
Among those discussed were the smart innovations transforming volunteering efforts. In this tech-driven era, digital solutions have helped improve the efficiency of initiatives and maximise their impact, Ba Nafa said.
“Platforms now manage registration, task allocation, and performance measurement efficiently, expanding participation and ensuring continuity,” he said.
The Emirati Marshals Programme has recorded more than three million volunteer hours so far, with over 35,000 volunteers devoting their time to its initiatives.
Also participating in the event was the Zayed Search and Rescue Team, which stood out for its emergency operations and its expanding role in humanitarian efforts.
Dr Asma Mana Saeed Al Otaiba, a member of the team, expressed pride in being part of a volunteer group consisting of expert divers and paramedics, whose skills are crucial in life-saving missions.
Dr Al Otaiba recalled the team’s involvement in a major underwater cleanup in Abu Dhabi, which recently clinched a Guinness World Record title for the most diverse participation in such an initiative across multiple locations, drawing more than 300 licensed volunteer divers of different nationalities.
For Emirati volunteers at the event, helping others has become a meaningful part of who they are.
Hamad Al Rashdi, a father of three, said volunteering has been his “happiness” since he started joining initiatives in 2013.
“It always gives me joy. Every time I give more, or help someone, I feel happy,” Al Rashdi said.
He added that the UAE’s leadership plays a major role in encouraging community service: “Our leaders have never fallen short. They always support this humanitarian and social field.”
Volunteering goes beyond doing something meaningful in one’s free time, Al Rashdi added. “It is a powerful message. Through it, we can build a strong and cohesive community and leave a positive impact on people in need.”
