DUBAI // A new website has been launched by UAE leaders to register hundreds of thousands of people as volunteers for different causes nationwide.
The site, volunteers.ae, allows Emiratis and residents to register to volunteer for projects as individuals or as part of groups and organisations. It was described as the largest and most thorough volunteer platform in the country.
Volunteering opportunities are listed by emirate, organisation or interest, with categories such as health, the elderly, sport and recreation, environment, and arts and culture.
The first to sign up were Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
“Our goal is to consolidate the spirit of volunteering during the UAE Year of Giving and beyond, registering 200,000 volunteers in 2017,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said.
“Volunteering is a noble and valuable act that leads to happiness for both the volunteers and the communities they serve so selflessly.”
The website is part of the Year of Giving announced for 2017 by the President, Sheikh Khalifa.
Its launch was the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Community Development and the Emirates Foundation, a philanthropic group set up by the Abu Dhabi government.
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