Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted a seminar at its premises which familiarised companies with regulatory requirements associated with the existing law governing volunteering activities in Dubai.

The seminar was organised by the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network Community Engagement Task Force in collaboration with the Community Developing Authority (CDA).

During the seminar Ahmed Hassan Lootah, Head of Volunteering Section, CDA, delivered an informative presentation on the Dubai volunteering law introduced in 2018 and provided an overview of the processes that companies should follow before involving employees in volunteering activities, including registration procedures volunteers and their projects through the Dubai Volunteer portal. Following the presentation, participants were given an opportunity to ask any volunteering related questions.

Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, said there has been heightened interest and more participation in volunteering initiatives within the business community, following the introduction of the volunteering law in Dubai in 2018.

“As more companies introduce corporate volunteering initiatives to support their CSR plans and stimulate positive engagement within their organisations, it is essential that they are fully informed of the rules and regulations that govern such activities,” said Dr. Rettab, who added that the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network Community Engagement Task Force would continue to play an active role in fostering a culture of volunteerism within the business community and encouraging companies to maximise their social impact.

For his part, Mr. Huraiz Al Mur Bin Huraiz, CEO – Social Care & Development Sector, CDA said: “The percentage of the volunteering work in any society is an indicator on how this society is able to respond to economic and social changes smoothly, thus, we are keen to educate companies and individuals about the benefits of the programme, and about the volunteering law, that hugely encourages the volunteering work in Dubai.”

“The Dubai Volunteer Law provided an umbrella for the volunteer work in the emirate, CDA is responsible to organize the volunteering work and to link all stakeholders, this includes the opportunities providers, the volunteers, and the volunteering groups,” added Bin Huraiz.

Established by the Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network serves as the focal point for the business community to share and exchange best practices in implementing CSR. The network provides an opportunity for local companies to network, learn, share experiences and constitute CSR leadership.

The Centre for Responsible Business was established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2004 to support and promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The Centre’s objective is to engage the Dubai business community in assuming greater responsibility for the emirate’s social and environmental needs. The CRB also promotes Dubai as the GCC’s gateway for global commerce by offering its business partners an environment of transparency and rule of law.