UAE expats welcome for volunteering activities

The UAE is undoubtedly one of the biggest donors to humanitarian causes worldwide. The country dedicated an entire year to it, called 'The Year of Giving'. It's no surprise if citizens and expats are inspired to help in a good cause as much as they can.
However, residents are not allowed to fundraise or do charitable activities unless they are licensed by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).
There are several registered charities that residents can reach out to help causes in war-torn countries such as Syria, Yemen and needy countries in parts of Africa.
The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), based in Sharjah, is a registered charity that helped Syrian refugees during the cold winter months. Their winter campaign asked the public to donate relief items such as blankets, pillows, mattresses and heating stoves.
Mariam Al Hammadi, director of Salam Ya Seghar, an initiative by TBHF, had said in 2016 when the campaign was initially launched: "We launched this campaign as a collective initiative to support refugees. Charity and goodness are deeply rooted in the Emirati society, and this campaign provides an opportunity for all of us to contribute to helping refugees, who are in even greater need during the bitterly cold winter months."
"The campaign is in line with the UAE's humanitarian and philanthropic approach to help the poor and needy people all over the world. The foundation organises this campaign at this particular time to provide assistance to refugees who live in makeshift camps under harsh winter conditions that affect their health due to the lack of life essentials and healthcare."
The Emirates Red Crescent is also another registered charity that residents can donate funds or relief items to help the needy in foreign countries. The public can also explore volunteering opportunities with them.
Another humanitarian organisation Dubai Cares is providing 4,250 volunteering opportunities to the UAE residents as part of the 'Year of Giving 2017'. Volunteers can help to improve the lives of underprivileged children locally and globally.
Speaking on Dubai Cares' contribution to 'the Year of Giving', Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive officer at Dubai Cares said, "In light of this noble initiative, Dubai Cares will certainly contribute to the success of the 'Year of Giving' by organising a number of local and international volunteering and community engagement initiatives that will help improve the lives of children and adolescents by providing them the gift of education. We strongly encourage the UAE community to participate and support our initiatives which offer a unique opportunity to truly engage in a great cause."
The Dubai Cares' database of volunteers, supporters, and donors currently includes 33,000 individuals.
More information on donating or volunteering with Dubai Cares is available online on their website, www.dubaicare.ae 
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com