An Emirati with a passion to help people
As part of the Day for Dubai initiative, Khaleej Times brings you stories of devoted heroes in our community who dedicate their time to support others through their skills and expertise. These individuals offer their time to benefit our community and its residents
Emirati Abdullah Al Ali’s passion for causes is infectious. He manages to instil the spirit of giving back into everyone he interacts with, including his family, friends and fellow volunteers. From tidying up the city’s streets after National Day celebrations to taking active part in volunteering initiatives like ‘Give a Bike’ to the less fortunate and distributing meals to labourers, this 25-year-old engineer shows how to strike the balance between work, social life and volunteering.
From a very young age, Abdullah felt a void in his life because he felt it lacked purpose. There was something missing. It was in 2013, on the day after the UAE National Day, when everything fell in to place for Abdullah. “While the National Day festivities bring in great joy and pride, the aftermath of the celebration is often forgotten, “Abdullah said.
Abdullah was home when he first heard of the initiative taken by some young Emiratis to hit the streets and assist the cleaning crew in tidying up the city. As Abdullah joined workers and other Emiratis clean the mess, he was inspired by their commitment and experienced his first role as a volunteer. “That was the moment I found what had been missing in my life. The fulfilment of giving back to a country that had given me so much, and to communities whose circumstances were less fortunate than my own,” Abdullah said.
Later, Abdullah joined 1971 Social Enterprise — the first social enterprise company registered in the Emirate of Dubai. The enterprise’s main goal is to spread social work and entrepreneurship among the youth in the UAE.
Since then, he participated in numerous volunteering initiatives, such as ‘Give a Bike’ campaign. The campaign encouraged resi- dents to give away a bicycle to the less fortunate in the aim of helping them find alternative transport methods to facilitate their day-today life and activities.
Abdullah has a passion for helping people and drawing a smile on their faces. Abdullah said he participated in the ‘Ramadan Aman’ campaign launched by 1971 Social Enterprise in collaboration with Al Ihsan Charity Association to distribute Iftar meals to drivers at traffic junctions during the holy month. The campaign saw the participation of more than 10,000 volunteers.
“This was a campaign with many dimensions as it indirectly reduced the number of accidents on the road, preventing drivers from rushing to reach their destinations prior to Iftar. I also took part in the campaign ‘Suhourkom Aleina’ launched by 1971 Social Enterprise and the Community Development Authority in Dubai, where I helped packing and distributing meals to labourers,” Abdullah said.
“The biggest challenge I have faced in my path has been that of time-management. Finding the time to give back can often be challenging, but giving just an hour of your day can have a stronger impact than you think. I continue to strive to find the balance between work, my social life and volunteering,” said Abdullah.
“The spirit of volunteering is growing within Dubai and the UAE. To be a part of that and inspire those around you to give back is an incredible feeling. I started with those close to me so the first one involved with me in the same spirit of giving was my little brother. I got a taste of fulfilment through volunteering and from my experience I want to tell all that you have to think big in order to give back in a big way,” Abdullah concluded.
The biggest challenge I have faced in my path has been that of time-management. Finding the time to give back can often be challenging, but giving just an hour of your day can have a stronger impact than you think.” Abdullah Al Ali, Kite Killers founder