Dubai: As part of Dubai's strategy to institutionalise humanitarian work and enhance the roles of both public and private sectors in serving the community, the Dubai Community Contributions Establishment (JOOD) organised the 'JOOD Retreat'. The retreat brought together representatives from government and private entities, along with experts and community partners, with the aim of developing a comprehensive future roadmap for community contributions in Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the spirit of the UAE's Year of Community. It reflects JOOD's role as a unified platform dedicated to organising and channelling all forms of community contributions, ensuring lasting impact based on clear and transparent indicators. Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Community Contribution Foundation, stated that the JOOD Retreat represents a strategic move to shape a future-ready model for community contributions, reinforcing Dubai's commitment to sustainability and a culture of giving.
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, efforts are underway to build a comprehensive social and humanitarian model reflecting the values and spirit of Dubai. This model extends beyond financial contributions to include the sharing of time, knowledge, and expertise, aiming to strengthen a deep-rooted culture of social solidarity.
Dr. Ahmed Tahlak, General Manager at Tarahum Charity Foundation, highlighted the importance of having indicators and criteria to measure effectiveness in society. Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, emphasised that success is measured by contributions, praising the UAE and Dubai's government for their commitment and encouraging continued efforts to make a difference.
The retreat featured a speech by Ghaith, presenter of the 'Qalby Etma'an' programme, who underscored the importance of institutional humanitarian work. Ahmed Darwish Al-Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, stressed the JOOD Retreat's role in supporting the Dubai Social Agenda 33, aiming to empower the community-giving ecosystem through public-private partnerships.
Key outcomes of the retreat included the establishment of a unified framework for aligning social responsibility agendas across sectors and the approval of a comprehensive strategy for managing community resources. The retreat's agenda comprised thematic dialogue sessions and workshops focused on sustainability, collaboration, impact, and leadership.
The retreat concluded with a vision for cross-sector collaboration to enhance institutional integration and boost meaningful contributions, reflecting Dubai's inclusive and future-focused approach to humanitarian work. This approach supports the emirate's vision to establish a global model for community development that elevates quality of life and advances the Sustainable Development Goals.