In line with the UAE’s commitment to volunteering as a culture, and in an effort to highlight the role that major cultural events play in promoting such values, Al Ain Book Festival 2025 launched its 16th edition with an inspiring session at Liwa University, Al Ain campus, on the importance of volunteering and community work.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the festival will run until 30 November under the theme ‘All Eyes on Al Ain’.
Moderated by Mohammed Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Director of Strategic Affairs at the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an, the session drew strong participation from students, who shared their thoughts on the impact of targeted initiatives in nurturing a culture of volunteering. Bringing a positive energy to the discussion, participants exchanged a wide range of ideas about the benefits of volunteer work, which, they asserted, is a driving force for encouraging constructive behaviour among younger generations.
For his part, Al Dhaheri described volunteering as a pillar of societal progress, stressing the importance of volunteer work and collective action, and underlining their wide-ranging benefits that open pathways to development and prosperity. “A culture of giving reflects social awareness,” he said, “especially with 2025 being designated the ‘Year of Community’ in the UAE, signalling the country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and cohesion among all members of society.”
The moderator went on to outline the efforts undertaken by the Authority of Social Contribution to build a sustainable volunteering environment, calling on key institutions and entities across the country to implement community initiatives with lasting impact.
The session featured a presentation outlining the target groups for volunteer work programmes, available funding channels, and the programmes provided by the Authority to serve children, youth, senior citizens, and People of Determination. It also spotlighted the ‘Journey of Generations’ programme, which connects senior citizens and young people through activities that promote authentic Emirati values. Notably, the programme has attracted more than 1,500 participants from various groups, underscoring its success in building strong human connections.
Concluding the session, speakers highlighted the significant role educational institutions play in spreading a culture of volunteering, while noting the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s contribution, through Al Ain Book Festival, to reinforcing human values. The discussion left a positive impression on attendees, inviting them to work together to achieve the UAE’s vision for 2025, and play an active role in building a cohesive society grounded in mutual respect and a sincere commitment to cooperation and responsibility.
