Charities in Abu Dhabi
It’s good to give back once in a while. Fortunately, there isn’t a shortage of special causes in Abu Dhabi with many charitable foundations spending an invaluable amount of time to make the world a better place. But which relief organisation is worth your time and money? To make your search easier, here is a list of charities in Abu Dhabi you can support.
Charities in Abu Dhabi
1. Emirates Red Crescent Society
First up on our list of worthy charities in Abu Dhabi is the Emirates Red Crescent Society (ERCS). Founded in 1983, the charity aims to mobilise humanitarian aid to support vulnerable populations during times of war. To make donations easier, the ERCS offers an e-donation service which allows benefactors to easily contribute to support charitable causes throughout the UAE. Interested donors can guarantee charitable projects by signing up to become philanthropists on the ERCS website. Additionally, donors may also use their time to:
Sponsor Orphans
Interested individuals can choose to sponsor any orphans that are approved by the ERCS. The value of monthly sponsorship per month has a starting price of AED 150 for outside the United Arab Emirates and AED 300 within the country.
Volunteering
Anyone looking to aid in the many humanitarian projects carried out by the Emirates Red Crescent Society may join their volunteer program. To improve morale, the program also appreciates any contributions and achievements acquired by those who come forward and enlist their help.
For details about e-donations and information on other philanthropic activities from the ERCs in Abu Dhabi, refer to the following details:
- Location: Al Nahyan Camp – Abu Dhabi
- Contact: 02-641-9000
2. Khalifa Foundation
Coming up second on our list of notable charities in Abu Dhabi is the Khalifa Foundation. The brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foundation focuses on welfare regarding health and education. For example, welfare efforts regarding health are as follows:
- Motherhood and childcare
- Addressing issues regarding global malnutrition
- Supporting scientific efforts and research on deadly diseases
- Efforts for providing clean drinking water
Operating on both a local and global scale, some of the many causes supported by the Khalifa Foundation are vocational education projects in different emirates.
In addition to supporting deprived and underprivileged communities, the organisation also provides basic infrastructure for hospitals, schools and other establishments by partnering with the United Nations and other global benefit organisations.
- Location: Al Karama Area Intersection of Delma Street – Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-28-855-588
3. Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation
The Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation is another famed organisation for social services in Abu Dhabi. Officially known as the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, the organisation made its debut in 1992 with an endowment of $1M for charitable projects across the UAE and on a global scale. Around AED 1B have been used by the foundation on various aid projects with a focus on providing humanitarian relief to areas that have suffered from natural disasters. In addition to sponsoring the construction and restoration of mosques all over the world, the organisation is also known to fund projects of an academic nature.
- Location: Airport Road – Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-657-7577
4. The Emirates Foundation
An independent organization created by the government of Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Foundation facilitates offers public and private funded initiatives for the benefit of youths across the UAE. The different benefits program that fall under this charity in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
Takatof
Launched in 2007, Takatof is a volunteer social program by the Emirates Foundation. Designed to encourage the activity across the UAE, this program particularly focuses on providing young residents with meaningful opportunities to aid in humanitarian, community and social causes.
SANID
An emergency response volunteer program, SANID prepares young participants in the UAE to respond to and manage crises situations in the country in case of disasters or emergencies. Training programs are backed by proven international models like the US Citizen Corps and the Swedish Civil Defence. All in all, the program is a good initiative for charity work in Abu Dhabi.
DAWAMEE
Targeting demographics between the ages of 15 to 35, the DAWAMEE program helps deserving individuals develop careers by providing them with the means to deliver marketable skills remotely. Possible via a specialised online portal, the program aims to provide low-income individuals with the flexibility they need for remote job opportunities.
For information on upcoming projects from the Emirates Foundation, refer to the following:
- Location: Al Mamoura Building 4th and 15th Streets – Abu Dhabi
- Contact: 800-742222
5. EWA’A
EWA’A shelters across the UAE are facilitated by the country’s government in an effort to provide a safe refuge for victims of human trafficking. The one in Abu Dhabi is no different and is also the first EWA’A shelter to receive women and children who suffered under the inhumane practice. A second shelter for male victims was also inaugurated in 2013.
There are basically two ways individuals can offer their help in the charity organisation in Abu Dhabi:
Participate and Donate
Donations are always welcome at EWA’A. However, the best way individuals can help victims of human trafficking in EWA’A shelter is to donate their time —because sometimes, even a smile can help victims forget their trauma.
Volunteer
Services rendered at EWA’A follow the highest standards in psychological treatments and healthcare. Anyone who specialises in these disciplines is welcome to volunteer their services at the shelters.
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-558-4812
6. Emirates Wildlife Society
A non-profit environmental organisation in the UAE, the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) was established by the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed al Nahyan. Since its establishment in 2001, the EWS works in partnership with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) for the preservation of biodiversity in key sites across the country. The EWS encourages companies, brands and individuals to volunteer services for various sustainability projects concerning climate change, marine conservation and more. For more information on how to contribute, refer to the following information:
- Location: Raffay Street, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: 02-634-7117
That’s a wrap of our review of best charities in Abu Dhabi. Looking for more resources where you can do your part to help deserving communities in the UAE? Check out our picks for charities that accept donated items in Dubai. For a better understanding of helping kids with autism and how the condition inhibits their abilities, read up on Autism Day in Dubai.
