Department of Community Development (DCD) has announced that Abu Dhabi recorded more than two million volunteer hours in 2025, marking a significant rise in community participation during the UAE’s Year of Community.
According to official figures, around 30,000 volunteers registered across the emirate, contributing to 3,394 organised opportunities offered through an approved national platform. This represents a 34 per cent increase compared to 2024, reflecting a steady expansion in structured volunteering activities. The economic value of these contributions exceeded Dh146 million ($39.6 million), underlining the growing impact of volunteer work on the local economy.
The latest data builds on progress made in 2024, when Abu Dhabi recorded 1.7 million volunteer hours. Officials said the upward trend highlights a deepening culture of civic engagement and positions volunteering as a key element of the emirate’s social development strategy.
Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Empowerment at DCD, said the results were driven by strong coordination among public and private entities. He noted that the department has focused on developing policies, regulatory frameworks and systems to measure the impact of volunteer initiatives, aligning them with international standards.
Support from Emirates Foundation has also played a central role. The foundation operates the National Volunteer Platform, which provides digital tools and specialised programmes aimed at improving volunteer readiness and ensuring long-term sustainability in the sector.
Throughout 2025, DCD engaged with 26 government bodies, private companies and educational institutions through meetings and interactive sessions designed to promote awareness of volunteering opportunities. These efforts aimed to encourage both individuals and organisations to take part in community service initiatives linked to the Year of Community.
Officials said the figures reflect a broader transformation in how volunteering is organised in Abu Dhabi. What was once largely informal has developed into a structured system supported by governance, performance tracking and measurable outcomes. This shift is seen as strengthening social cohesion and contributing to improved quality of life across the emirate.
Looking ahead, DCD said it plans to build on this momentum as the UAE marks the Year of Family in 2026. The department intends to encourage greater participation from families, promoting shared involvement in volunteering activities as a way to strengthen family bonds and instil values of responsibility among younger generations.
Authorities added that future initiatives will focus on creating flexible and inclusive opportunities, allowing families to take part together while supporting skills development, leadership growth and long-term community impact.
