With businesses struggling, unemployment rising, and the mental and physical wellbeing of communities deteriorating, there has never been a more pertinent time to offer help where it is needed. While the UAE has always been home to a number of charitable organizations, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic has seen a number of new platforms arise. From government pursuits including Abu Dhabi’s Health Workforce Management System; a new digital platform through which clinical staff from across the UAE can register to volunteer full or part-time in the emirate’s healthcare sector, to grassroots initiatives such as Stop and Help, a “kindness exchange,” that supports families with children living in the UAE. Whether you are looking to volunteer your time, resources, or skills, here are six ways you can volunteer in the UAE.
Takatof
A subset of the Emirates Foundation; a philanthropic foundation set up by the Government of Abu Dhabi to facilitate public-private funded initiatives, Takatof’s mission is centered around encouraging and empowering people to partake in voluntary service across the UAE. Through myriad programs, the organization trains, supports and connects volunteers to deliver positive change across communities in need. Volunteers are given the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries, from education and sports; children and the elderly. To participate, visit the Takatof website and register as a volunteer.
Stop and Help
Deemed a ‘kindness exchange,’ instead of a charity, Stop and Help was launched earlier in the year following on the onset of Covid-19, with the objective of matching people in need with people who could help. Oriented around the focus of helping another family in need, the Stop and Help initiative offers the option of providing one week or four week’s shopping for a family struggling to cope in the current pandemic. Since their inception, they have helped provide meals, groceries, and support for families and operate solely through the use of a ‘kindness register.’ Besides the kindness exchange, you can also volunteer to be a part of the initiative’s team or help the families in need by amplifying the initiative and its message on social media and beyond.
Emirates Red Crescent
A humanitarian organization centered around supporting and assisting communities at a social, cultural and economic level, the Red Crescent aims to meet urgent social needs, as well as those of a more underlying nature. By way of shelter, food, medical aid, and volunteering events, the organization provides volunteers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in service to the many communities around them. To register as a volunteer, visit the website here.
Dubai Community Development Authority
Founded in 2008 by a decree of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Community Development Authority is responsible for setting up a framework of social development across industries including but not limited to social services, human rights, and volunteering. With myriad volunteering opportunities available for individuals looking to assist with charities, companies, and people of determination, interested parties can sign up on the organization’s website.
National Volunteer Program for Emergencies, Crises and Disasters
H.E Abdul Rahman Al Owais Minister of Health and Prevention: We have more than 15,000 volunteers for the trials and the highest scientific standards for the studies will be followed and guaranteed.
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) July 13, 2020
With their vision of “forming a distinguished base of volunteers in the field of emergency, crises, and disasters,” the National Volunteer Program for Emergencies, Crises and Disasters provides volunteers with the opportunity to instill and promote the culture of volunteerism within society. In establishing a database of volunteers to coordinate work within the efforts of a national response, the Program helps to strengthen a sense of belonging, and the social cohesion between communities and State authorities, amid times of emergencies, crises, and disasters. To become a volunteer, register here.
Sanid
Also a subset of the Emirates Foundation, Sanid is the UAE’s National Emergency Response Program. Launched in 2009, the organization draws on the strengths of proven international models, particularly that of the Swedish Civil Defense League and the US Citizen Corps. By uniting volunteers around the UAE who share a sense of civic responsibility, the organization prepares them to cope with national and international emergencies. With training programs delivered in both Arabic and English, Sanid trains volunteers on basic safety and emergency procedures, while deploying certified volunteers where needed. In addition to conducting safety awareness campaigns and supporting other response organizations, the Program works towards providing assistance for large scale international and national emergencies. To register, visit the website here.
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