The year when Al Badwawi founded the group He believes volunteering is for everyone
I intend to educate communities on the volunteering pillars of the Emirati culture and its values. I am working to share my passion of helping others with the world.”
Essa Al Badwawi, founder,
UAE Nashama Volunteers
Current number of Nashama volunteers in the UAE
Number of Emirati executives at UAE Nashama Volunteers
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
If anyone asked whether they could join UAE Nashama Volunteers, the founder of the group Essa Al Badwawi would usually say: “Volunteering has no nationality, no age limit and no gender, volunteering is for the kind. It is for everyone.”
Al Badwawi’s passion fuelled his determination to fulfil his mission and lead the biggest volunteering group in the UAE.
Due to his extraordinary influence and leadership skills, UAE Nashama Volunteers now has 20 Emirati executives and over a 1,000 volunteers. Al Badwawi has also been able to reach the young generation by making his initiatives and volunteer work exciting, fun and creative.
Before changing the group’s name in 2014, UAE Nashama Volunteers used to be known as Hatta Dubai Volunteers. Founded by Al Badwawi in 2009, the group started as a small team of two to three Emiratis with one big dream, to leave their mark of kindness in dedication to their motherland.
Before it all started, Al Badwawi’s goal was to aid those in need through various good deeds. His kind gestures led to a greater impact that drastically changed the lives of those he helped.
These momentous changes made him believe he had finally found his calling. He realised early on that he needed more hands on board to make a bigger impact.
Al Badwawi implemented his philosophy by participating in major events such as the World Government Summit for three consecutive years; the Arabic Language conference for five years; as well as the Hamdan Hub for four years, where he was able to connect with people from different backgrounds, nationalities and interests, which helped him inspire more volunteers and increase diversity in his group.
The Nashama Volunteers had received the Sheikh Hamdan Award for Educational Excellence several times, proving they are on the right track to inspire the upcoming generations. As the volunteer group grew, its activities, dreams and ambitions also prospered.
Today, the organisation is considered much more than a volunteering platform, it is one of the pillars that symbolise the Emirati culture.
“I intend to offer more and edu- cate communities on the giving and volunteering pillars of the Emirati culture and its values. I am working and hoping to share my passion of helping others with the world,” Al Badwawi said.
Over the years, the Nashama volunteers have organised over 50 events, such as the ‘Mubadara min Al Qalb (With Love Initiative)’, known to be one of Al Badwawi’s most memorable experiences.
The ‘With Love’ initiative usually takes place throughout the holy month of Ramadan, where volunteers pay weekly visits to children’s hospitals around the UAE to spend time with them and give them gifts. The emotional impact this activity has left on the children has driven Al Badwawi’s passion and vision even further.
Another flagship project by UAE Nashama Volunteers — that Al Badwawi is proud of — is the Labour Day initiative launched in 2014. Fifteen early-riser Emirati volunteers stormed the streets of Dubai to support the Dubai Municipality in cleaning the streets of the emirate on Labour Day.
Asked about the obstacles he faced with volunteer work in the UAE, Al Badwawi confidently said: “Volunteering has no obstacles. I believe that any type of aid implemented through volunteering is an achievement. Volunteering doesn’t happen over a minute, an hour or a day. Volunteering is an intention; it’s a lifestyle. The UAE Nashama Volunteers continuously welcomes and accepts motivated people to join their mission.”