ADCDA has launched the "General Framework for Volunteering Document - Supporting Civil Defence Activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi" in conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day, which falls on the 19th of Ramadan each year. This initiative aims to enhance the community’s role in supporting civil defence efforts and to establish a culture of volunteerism as a fundamental pillar of emergency preparedness and response
ADCDA has launched the "General Framework for Volunteering Document - Supporting Civil Defence Activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi" in conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day, which falls on the 19th of Ramadan each year. This initiative aims to enhance the community’s role in supporting civil defence efforts and to establish a culture of volunteerism as a fundamental pillar of emergency preparedness and response.
His Excellency Brigadier General Salem Abdullah bin Barak Al Dhaheri, Director General of ADCDA, emphasized that this document reflects the Authority’s commitment to establishing an effective and sustainable community partnership that enhances individuals’ readiness and enables their participation in emergency management efforts.
His Excellency further highlighted that this is the first document of its kind in the UAE to govern volunteer work for the benefit of civil defence. It was developed in collaboration with the Department of Community Development, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, Emirates Foundation, and the Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Center for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The document aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to guide volunteer efforts in support of civil defence by developing a sustainable volunteering system that supports building a community prepared to face emergencies. The document also defines two main tracks for volunteer participation: the general track, which supports activities related to implementing safety requirements and awareness programs, and the specialized track, which benefits from volunteers' skills in supporting firefighting, ambulance teams, and participation in preparedness exercises.
Additionally, the document outlines the five stages of volunteering, from registration to training and capacity building, and ultimately, the sustainability of volunteer engagement. It also includes approved mechanisms for tracking volunteer hours and awarding incentive points, enabling volunteers to benefit from government rewards. This contributes to sustaining volunteerism and encouraging broader community participation.
During the launch event, His Excellency the Director General of ADCDA, and His Excellency Abdullah Al Ameri, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, honored several volunteer teams in recognition of their efforts in supporting the volunteering movement and enhancing emergency preparedness culture. The honored teams included the SANID Team, the We Are All Police Team, the Al Ain Rescue Team, and the Zayed Volunteer Team.
This initiative reflects the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority’s commitment to strengthening integration between government entities and the community, contributing to the highest levels of safety and emergency preparedness. It also reinforces a culture of teamwork and social responsibility in alignment with Abu Dhabi’s vision of building a safe and sustainable community.