Hamdan’s Day for Dubai to spur volunteerism
dubai — A day after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, set an example for volunteering by cleaning the seabed during a dive off the Marina, he has launched an initiative that will reinforce the spirit of volunteerism among residents.
The ‘Day for Dubai’ initiative encourages residents to dedicate at least one day of the year to leverage their talent and skillset to give back to those in need. Sheikh Hamdan called on residents to align their ideas with Dubai’s vision and strategic plans that aim to create a cohesive and inclusive society. —
dubai — Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, on Wednesday announced the launch of the ‘Day for Dubai’ initiative.
It encourages every resident to share their time by dedicating at least one day of the year to volunteer and give back to those in need, as a humanitarian and national duty — one that is rooted in the country’s history and values.
The initiative aims to both solidify social responsibility amongst its citizens, and reinforce the spirit of volunteerism, improving and maintaining their city and community, and protecting the environment.
The Dubai Crown Prince made the announcement while leading the Executive Council’s board meeting at Emirates Towers, also attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council.
Sheikh Hamdan said: “UAE residents are characterised by goodwill and are constantly ready to offer a helping hand. The ‘Day for Dubai’ initiative is testament to residents’ loyalty and belonging to their community, and serves to show how humane and tenacious our society really is.”
Highlighting the importance of volunteer work in local communities, he underlined its role in social cohesion, generating goodwill, and its correlation to the prosperity of communities.
He also called on residents to align their ideas with Dubai’s vision and strategic plans.
To support the Year of Zayed and Year of Giving initiatives, as well as make Dubai as the most giving city in the world, Sheikh Hamdan encouraged private and public sector organisations to join the city-wide volunteering movement. He called on them to develop and participate in volunteering opportunities, create meaningful partnerships, and ensure that residents are invited to be active participants.
Residents, in turn, are asked
UAE residents are characterised by goodwill and are constantly ready to offer a helping hand. The ‘Day for Dubai’ initiative is testament to residents’ loyalty and belonging to their community.” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
to dedicate their time, and go beyond typical volunteering activities by making it a lifestyle, by dedicating time, knowledge, skills and passion.
The launch of ‘Day for Dubai’ stems from the remarkable engagement that took place through the pioneering crowdsourcing platform, also launched by Sheikh Hamdan last week.
Studies have shown that an individual spends 76 days a year browsing the internet and social media platforms — and devoting one day out of those to volunteering will help ensure a cohesive community.