The initiative, detailed in an announcement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office, seeks to expand volunteering opportunities throughout the emirate by establishing a structured framework that promotes mutual support among residents. It forms part of the Department of Community Development’s broader strategy to increase community involvement and encourage residents to play a more active role in local affairs. In the first phase, volunteer teams will operate in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Al Rahba, Al Falah, Al Riyadh and Al Shawamekh, with plans for gradual expansion to additional districts.
The Department of Community Development noted that the size of each team will be determined by the specific needs and participation levels within each neighbourhood. Leaders and members were chosen following a rigorous selection process that included interviews conducted jointly with the Emirates Foundation. This approach ensures volunteers are prepared to address local issues while promoting shared responsibility.
Organisations from government, private and third sectors can collaborate directly with the neighbourhood teams to execute initiatives tailored to residents’ requirements, the announcement stated. The teams will conduct activities such as community events, awareness workshops, surveys to collect data on needs and field studies to assess social challenges and available services. They will furthermore serve as intermediaries between residents and authorities to raise awareness of programmes, particularly for vulnerable groups, and to improve overall service coordination.
The announcement included comments from His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Empowerment Sector at the Department of Community Development. He said, “The Neighbourhood Volunteer Teams initiative is a big step forward in strengthening the volunteering landscape by empowering community members to take an active part in developing their neighbourhoods and making a positive impact. At the Department of Community Development, we believe volunteering is not just a short-term contribution, but a key pillar in building a strong, connected community that reflects the values of social responsibility and mutual support.”
The Emirates Foundation is supporting the programme by delivering training in emergency response, first aid and crisis management through its SANID initiative, according to the Department of Community Development. The foundation also aided in the selection process and the development of customised volunteering roles matched to each area’s demands. The teams gained initial practical experience by participating in the Degayeg initiative, a joint project with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi that involved organising sports sessions to encourage active lifestyles.
The launch follows the Department of Community Development recording more than 1.7 million volunteer hours in 2024, its media center reported. It aligns with the Volunteers.ae platform established in 2017 as a partnership between Emirates Foundation and the Ministry of Community Empowerment to connect volunteers with opportunities. The Riyadh Volunteer Team has organised the From the People of Riyadh City.. Impact Begins initiative and participated in the Proud of the UAE initiative with Al Riyadh Charter School while the Al Falah Volunteer Team has launched a programme to identify and nurture sports talent in the community.
