Donate your time or money to these inspiring Dubai charities
Charities around the world play a vital role in supporting the most vulnerable in society and Dubai charities are no different in this regard. The emirate is home to numerous charitable organisations that strive to help people in need. Understandably, the generosity of Dubai residents is a key supporting factor in enabling these charities to thrive and support people in the UAE and beyond. In this article, we take a look at the top Dubai charities and the good causes they’re committed to.
LIST OF CHARITIES IN DUBAI
Charity organisations in Dubai can be typically divided into two categories. Some organisations focus on addressing specific issues like providing water to communities, looking after sick patients or animal charities in Dubai. Whereas other charities work towards the broader goal of looking after underprivileged segments of society. Some of these charities also run specific campaigns like charity in Dubai during Ramadan.
Are you thinking of ways to help people? Well, here’s your chance to make good on your thoughts. Read on for our list of charity organisations in Dubai that you can help by donating money or by volunteering in person.
NOOR DUBAI
The Noor Dubai Foundation is a non-profit, humanitarian organisation that focuses on philanthropic activity. The foundation is active both in its home Emirate of Dubai and internationally. Noor Dubai offers therapeutic, preventative and educational services to treat and prevent blindness and visual impairment in impoverished countries.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a decree establishing the Noor Dubai Foundation with the goal of eradicating all forms of preventable blindness worldwide.
- Location: Dubai Health Authority HQ, Oud Meitha 1
DUBAI CARES
Dubai Cares is part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. Since its inception in 2007, it has provided quality education to children in developing countries. With over 24 million beneficiaries in 60 countries, it is one of the biggest Dubai charities. Besides teaching, the charity also assists people living in regions that are going through a protracted crisis.
The charity runs one of the most vital charity projects for children in Dubai.
- Location: Level 4, Building 16, District 7, Dubai Healthcare City
- Contact: +971-4-450-4550
AL MAKTOUM FOUNDATION
The idea of the Al Maktoum Foundation was initiated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the year 1997. Over the years, the organisation has grown tremendously and it has served in around 70 countries across the globe.
The foundation has provided support to a global audience. Be it with the development of schools and colleges in Africa, support for victims of civil war, and sending aid packages to victims of natural disasters across dozens of countries, the Al Maktoum Foundation has always served those in need.
- Location: First floor, Nashwan Building, Al Mankhool Street
- Contact: +971-4-398-8668
GULF FOR GOOD
Gulf For Good, formed by Brian Wilkie MBE and Paul Oliver in 2001, started as an initiative to raise funds for an ambulance for a war-torn locality in Namibia. Over the years, it has gone on to become one of the biggest charities in Dubai. It has undertaken numerous sustainable projects in developing countries to focus on improving the lives of children in impoverished regions.
The charity comes up with different hiking challenges, proceeds of which go to the charity. Thus far, more than 100 challenges have been organised in 30 countries. All in all, it has been successful in raising millions of dollars. This money is used to build schools, hospitals and homes for those in need.
- Location: 1/F, Building 4, International Humanitarian City
- Contact: +971-4-368-0222
BEIT AL KHAIR SOCIETY
Beit Al Khair Society is one of the oldest charity organisations in Dubai. A group of entrepreneurs came together and decided they wanted to give back to society, focusing primarily on their fellow UAE residents facing hardships.
For more than three decades, this Dubai charity has helped the poor, widows, divorcees, low-income households, patients, orphans, families of prisoners, victims of accidents, loan defaulters and others who have faced overwhelming challenges in life.
- Location: Al Nahda
- Contact: 800-22554
AL JALILA FOUNDATION
Founded by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, the Al Jalila Foundation has been undertaking health-related initiatives for the past nine years.
This particular charity in Dubai provides support to individuals who cannot afford healthcare, scholarships to medical students and financial backing to research institutions so they can come up with solutions for health-related challenges.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute, built at the cost of AED 300 million, is one of the foundation’s biggest projects. In fact, it is one of the largest projects undertaken by any charity organisation in Dubai.
- Location: First Floor, Building 12, Dubai Healthcare City
- Contact: 800-255-25452
SMART LIFE FOUNDATION
The incredible skyscrapers, stunning artificial islands and the glorious man-made lakes we see in Dubai are all down to the efforts of blue-collar workers. Smart Life is one Dubai Charity that aims to recognise the efforts of the labour class and works to alleviate any issues they might be facing.
The personal development of workers is one of the primary goals of Smart Life, Dubai. They provide English language and mentoring classes so workers can progress in their respective careers. Moreover, they collaborate with other corporate organisations to improve facilities and create opportunities for workers. Smart Life also organises small events where workers get some relief from their hectic lives.
Overall, the charity has undertaken projects in the fields of education, health, sports, talent, skills building and personal care.
- Location: MCN Hive
- Contact: +971-50-450-7946
DUBAI FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN
As the name suggests, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) was the first dedicated Dubai Charity for women and children. It works to provide critical support to victims of human trafficking, child abuse and domestic violence. All project and support services are provided under international human rights guidelines.
Moreover, this Dubai charity also holds awareness programs that can be vital in reducing such issues and empowering victims to speak up. Among the list of charities in Dubai, this one stands out because of its exceptional work.
- Location: Al Aweer
- Contact: +971-4-606-0300
TARAHUM FOUNDATION
Tarahum Foundation is one of the biggest charities in Dubai that assists residents in housing building. It also supports old houses, helps the needy, pays back loans for defaulters and offers study and therapeutic aids. The charity is also involved in paying house rent, getting rid of grocery debt, paying legal fees, providing financial support for marriage and more.
- Location: Al Rashidiya, Street A33, Villa No 10, Deira
- Contact: +971-4-284-8000
FAQS
HOW TO DO CHARITY IN DUBAI?
You can send donations to any of the registered organisations as mentioned in our list of charities in Dubai. Donations can either be made online or in person. Another option is to donate things to charities in Dubai.
HOW TO START A CHARITABLE ORGANISATION IN DUBAI?
If you are interested in starting your own charity in Dubai, the official government portal of the UAE states that you can apply to the Ministry of Community Development if you are a citizen. Expats will need to submit their applications to the ministry through their respective consulate or embassy in the UAE. The ministry will review the application and the Cabinet will take the final decision.
In Dubai, the following authorities can offer recognition and licences to charitable organisations:
- Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department
- International Humanitarian City
- Community Development Authority
That completes our guide to the top charities in Dubai. If you’d like to know more about how you can give your time and support to the charity, you can volunteer at a charity organisation in Dubai.
