His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, launched the UAE National Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem in a landmark announcement on the 29th of October 2025. However, it is a detailed national campaign aimed at converting the volunteering landscape in the nation.
The UAE National Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem strategy aims to expand the volunteering base of the UAE to 600,000 people, streamline nonprofit development, and embed volunteerism as a core national value. Hence, it reinforces the identity of the UAE as a nation of compassion, cooperation, and social solidarity.
This move aligns with the Year of Community vision and the UAE’s long-standing commitment to boosting generosity and shared prosperity.
“A Nation That Builds and Gives”
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the unwavering dedication of the UAE to community development. Hence, he said, “The UAE is a nation of progress and prosperity, but also of generosity and compassion. It builds with one hand and gives with the other.”
He also highlighted that the campaign is going to make volunteering easier, strengthen social involvement, and support the nonprofit’s growth. Hence, it ensures volunteering is rooted in the identity of the UAE.
Key Components of the UAE National Volunteering And Community Engagement Ecosystem
The new national system introduces 8 strategic initiatives under the Ministry of Community Empowerment. Hence, it focuses on the two primary tracks mentioned below:
- Promoting a culture of volunteerism
- Empowering nonprofit and community organisations
This strategic package aims to increase nonprofit organisations by 30 per cent by creating a single digital volunteering ecosystem, and developing a Dh100 million Empowerment Fund supporting sustainable nonprofit growth.
New Digital Volunteering Platforms & Campaigns
- Volunteers.ae 2.0
It is a revamped and national volunteering platform. Hence, it will offer the following perks:
- Skill-based matching tools
- Streamlined volunteer registration
- Specialised pathways for impactful contributions
This advanced platform aims to simplify volunteering and increase accessibility across all sectors and nationalities.
- “7 Over 7” Campaign
It is the nationwide drive to promote skill-based volunteering opportunities across all seven emirates. Hence, it encourages broader community participation.
- “Your Time Counts”
A federal government initiative encouraging public sector employees to volunteer, with voluntary leave linked to performance systems. Hence, this initiative ensures institutional support for community service.
Empowering Nonprofits & Volunteers
The strategy has introduced the following programs to strengthen the third-sector ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE):
| Program | Objective |
| One-Stop Shop Portal | Unified licensing and support services |
| Dh100 Million Empowerment Fund | National investment fund boosting nonprofit sector |
| Nonprofit Sector Launchpad | Incubator for nonprofit ideas & innovation |
| Leadership Plug-in Programmes | Training future nonprofit leaders |
These campaigns reinforces the commitment of the country to developing sustainable community institutions and future social leaders.
Vision for the Next Five Years
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) aims to become among the top 3 nations in the World Giving Index with UAE National Volunteering and Community Engagement. Hence, it supports its global leadership in its community service.
Strategic Goals by 2030
- 600,000 active volunteers
- 15 million volunteer hours
- 30% increase in nonprofit organisations
- 10,000 new nonprofit sector jobs
- Double nonprofit contribution to GDP
Expert Analysis — Strengthening the UAE’s Social Fabric
The UAE National Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem initiative showcases the holistic approach of the UAE to development. Hence, it balances economic progress with social responsibility. Moreover, the nation is setting a global benchmark in organised volunteering and nonprofit empowerment due to structured platforms, policy reforms, and capacity-building programs.
The UAE National Volunteering and Community Engagement initiative is going to play an important role in enhancing social cohesion, empowering youth, and building a resilient, sustainable society for generations to come. This is because the UAE boosts its participation in community services.
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