The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) has launched the Jiran volunteer programme in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation, and in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), during the Liveability and Investment Exhibition “LIVEX 2026”, organised by the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

The programme aims to help new residents settle into life in Abu Dhabi and build connections within their local communities through a welcoming environment that reflects the UAE’s values of hospitality, while introducing them to the services, opportunities, and amenities available in their neighbourhoods.

It forms as part of DCD’s ongoing efforts to enhance quality of life and strengthen community connections across the emirate. As Abu Dhabi continues to grow and welcome people from around the world, Jiran will help residents settle into their new surroundings, build meaningful local connections, and take an active part in community life.

Jiran, the Arabic word for “neighbours”, reflects the programme’s focus on welcoming newcomers, building lasting connections, and creating communities where everyone feels they belong.

The programme is supported by a network of volunteers recruited and trained by the Emirates Foundation. Through specialised training, volunteers are equipped to welcome new residents, answer their questions, and help them settle into life in Abu Dhabi.

They will provide practical information about government services, schools, healthcare facilities, community spaces, and other essential local amenities. Volunteers will also introduce new residents to local initiatives and events, encouraging them to get involved and connect with their communities.

The programme will also include information resources designed to introduce new residents to Abu Dhabi’s culture and way of life. New arrivals will also receive welcome gifts featuring locally made products, along with direct access to trained volunteers who will act as trusted points of contact as they settle into life in Abu Dhabi.

The programme will initially be introduced across Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island in partnership with ADREC and ADGM. The pilot phase will help assess the programme’s impact and refine its approach before it is expanded to other areas across Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the initiative, H.E Mohammed Hilal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Empowerment Sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, said: “The Jiran programme reflects DCD’s vision of building stronger, more connected communities by encouraging meaningful relationships and a culture of community participation. As Abu Dhabi continues to welcome people from around the world, initiatives such as Jiran help new residents get to know their local communities and feel a sense of belonging from day one.”

Al Balooshi added: “The Jiran programme demonstrates an innovative approach to community engagement by encouraging residents to play an active role in welcoming and supporting new arrivals. The programme also embodies the UAE’s values of solidarity, cooperation, and tolerance, while helping to strengthen quality of life and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone who calls it home.”

H.E Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority (RA) of ADGM, said, “ADGM is committed to building a vibrant and connected community that supports the people who live, work and thrive within our jurisdiction. Through our partnership in the Jiran programme, we are pleased to help welcome new residents, foster meaningful community connections and contribute to an inclusive resident experience that reflects Abu Dhabi’s exceptional quality of life.”

Ghazi Saeed Al Ateibi is the Executive Director of the Real Estate Transactions Sector said: “The strength of a real estate market is not measured by transactions alone, but by its ability to create places where people choose to live, settle and build their future. As custodian of Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector, our mandate gives us an important role in supporting that wider ambition, including through collaboration across government. Jiran is a strong example of this, bringing ADREC’s role in the real estate ecosystem together with the Department of Community Development’s community mandate to support new residents as they settle into Abu Dhabi and become part of its communities.”

Mohamed Al Hosani, Director of the Leadership and Empowerment Department at Emirates Foundation, said: “At Emirates Foundation, we believe volunteering is a powerful tool for strengthening community participation and building closer connections across society. Through Jiran, we are recruiting and equipping volunteers to provide a welcoming and supportive experience for new residents, helping them get to know their communities and settle into life in Abu Dhabi from their very first steps.”

Al Hosani added: “Our collaboration with the Department of Community Development and partners reflects our commitment to empowering people to play an active role in creating sustainable social impact. We look forward to Jiran helping foster a culture of participation and connection, while strengthening a sense of belonging across all segments of the community.”

The programme is being delivered in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation, which is responsible for recruiting and training volunteers, overseeing its implementation, and supporting its future expansion. This partnership will help ensure the programme’s long-term success and maximise its impact across Abu Dhabi’s communities.

The partnership also demonstrates a shared commitment to developing innovative initiatives that strengthen social connections and foster a greater sense of belonging across Abu Dhabi.