Revealed: 10 key volunteering opportunities in Dubai

Dubai is home to a myriad of charities, support groups, and volunteer programmes, that conduct regular events and support diverse initiatives across the city.

Organisations work for – and contribute to – a range of altruistic causes, from health and social issues to animal rights.

Public-spirited organisations that currently hold scope for voluntary work across Dubai include:

Dubai Autism Centre
The new centre of this non-profit organisation founded by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been designed according to international standards to lend a well-suited educational environment to children facing this development disorder.

Visit the centre’s website for additional volunteer information.

Make A Wish UAE
An internationally recognised foundation which helps fulfill wishes of chronic or terminally ill children, it aims to bring joy to the patients as well as strengthen their faith.

Established in the UAE in 2003, under the patronage of Sheikha Sheikha Bint Mohamed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, it has fast become one of the most successful organisations to date and has fulfilled over 4,000 wishes.

Download their volunteer application to lend support.

Pink Caravan
Established in 2011 under the patronage of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, this Pan UAE breast cancer initiative has gained recognition locally, regionally, and internationally, with a number of appointed ambassadors promoting and advocating the organisation’s mission.

Visit the centre’s website for additional voluntary information.

UAE Red Crescent
A humanitarian pursuit, this initiative organises volunteering events, provides shelter, rehabilitation, food, medical aid, and more to those in need.

Download their volunteer registration form to assist.

National Volunteer Programme for Emergencies, Crises and Disasters
The entity aims to develop a team of highly trained volunteers that could assist in times of emergencies, crises, and disasters.

Visit the website to inquire further.

Dubai Cares
A UAE-based global philanthropic organisation, which has firm beliefs in children’s rights, with plenty of upcoming volunteering opportunities in Dubai and abroad.

Visit their website for information regarding voluntary work.

SmartLife
With a strong focus on blue-collar workers and their holistic development, this non-profit undertakes multiple activities for facilitating this group of labourers, from arranging English lessons to mentoring sessions, and outdoors trips.

Visit their website for more details.

UAE Dolphin Project
A non-profit, this initiative encourages people to join as volunteers and make a difference to the local marine environment.

Full-time and general volunteering positions are available and can be applied for here.

K9 Friends
Operational since 1989, run by volunteers and with canine interests at heart, this organisation aims to provides dogs with shelter and new homes. They also seek passionate volunteers for an extra hand in their office and kennels.

Visit their website to know more.

Feline Friends Dubai
This non-profit rescues cats and kittens, and scours permanent residences for them. Volunteers of this cause foster the feline creatures themselves until a suitable home is found.

Visit the website to extend a hand.