GDRFA Dubai Honours Volunteers and Announces 'Year of Volunteering' for 2024 at International Volunt

 In celebration of International Volunteer Day, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has organized a ceremony paying tribute to sectors and employees who have incorporated volunteering into their daily lives alongside their professional duties.

The event highlighted the evolution of the volunteer sector within GDRFA. Starting with just 90 volunteers in 2018, the number has impressively grown to about 1,037 in 2023. These volunteers have contributed across various fields, including media, environmental initiatives, community services, and sports. One notable project is the "The Happiest Child" corner, a collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, where volunteers contribute to making dolls to bring joy to children.

Other volunteer initiatives showcased included sustainable planting, spreading positivity through good words, and Tatawa’ (volunteer) initiative, a joint effort with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs to prepare snack packs for workers. These initiatives cover a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, from children to workers and employees.

The ceremony also disclosed the total volunteer hours over the past three years, amounting to 25,534 hours, with an increasing trend each year. This included 12,360 hours in 2021, 6,574 hours in the previous year, and 6,600 hours in the current year, 2023.

Looking ahead, GDRFA Director General announced that 2024 will be celebrated as the 'Year of Volunteering' within the General Directorate. He encouraged all employees to actively participate in voluntary work and share their knowledge and experience in this field.

The event also saw the launch of a smart volunteer work platform specifically designed for GDRFA employees. In addition, a "volunteer jacket" and a volunteer badge were unveiled.

In a significant move to professionalise volunteer efforts, a certified practitioner certificate in volunteer work was launched in collaboration with the University of Oxford, marking a significant milestone in the Directorate's commitment to fostering a culture of volunteering.