Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has launched an initiative to increase volunteering and support non-profit organisations in the UAE with the goal of creating 10,000 jobs.
The Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem, which includes a project to grow the volunteer base to 600,000 people, was unveiled at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, the UAE Government Media Office said on Wednesday.
An aim of the project, from the Ministry of Community Empowerment, is to increase the number of non-profit organisations by 30 per cent, with the help of a Dh100 million ($27.2 million) fund.
“Our aim is to make volunteering easier, strengthen community participation and embed giving as part of our national identity,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
"The UAE is a country of progress and prosperity, but also of generosity and compassion. It builds with one hand, and gives with the other."
The strategy is led by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs.
“I thank the team behind this strategy, led by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, and the dedicated team supporting its delivery. The UAE moves forward with two forces, economy and co-operation, and giving and solidarity,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
Another target is to elevate the UAE to a top three ranking in the World Giving Index. It currently sits in ninth place. Other goals include doubling the contribution of non-profit groups to UAE society.
Fostering a culture of giving
The key strategy will include a number of initiatives aimed at championing a culture of volunteering across the Emirates.
Central to this drive will be the National Volunteering Strategy, which will provide a unified framework to oversee voluntary work and establish its deep-rooted value in the community.
The strategy will focus on developing policies and legislation geared towards expanding the number of volunteering opportunities available to the public.
The UAE is also to launch Volunteers.ae 2.0, a digital hub which will connect people with specific skills to suitable roles and set up pathways aimed at making it easier to offer a helping hand.
Under the wide-ranging project, the UAE will roll out the 7 Over 7 campaign, which will seek to promote skill-based volunteering in all seven emirates.
The Your Time Counts scheme will help to advance volunteering in the federal government and incentivise employees to give up their time to help others.
The initiative will encourage government workers to participate and will link their voluntary leave to their performance management system.
