In a warehouse buzzing with generosity, over 300 volunteers came together in Dubai to assemble 10,000 school kits for students from low-income families. The initiative, led by Dubai Cares and supported by Dubai's Community Development Authority, aims to equip children with the tools they need to succeed — and the confidence to dream. From notebooks to water bottles, each item packed was a small promise of opportunity.
The air inside the Dubai World Trade Centre was filled not with business chatter or the clinking of coffee cups, but with the rustle of wrapping paper, the zip of backpacks, and the hum of cheerful voices. It was the weekend, but for more than 300 volunteers, this wasn’t downtime — it was mission time.
Rows and rows of tables were stacked with brightly colored school supplies: pencils, notebooks, lunchboxes, and water bottles. Volunteers — families, students, corporate teams — moved like clockwork, stuffing each backpack with care and purpose. A little girl, barely tall enough to reach the table, carefully slipped a box of crayons into a red backpack. Her mother smiled. "She said she wants the child who gets this bag to feel excited," she explained.
Over 10,000 school kits were packed that day, destined for children from low-income families across the UAE. The initiative was part of the 'Volunteer Emirates' program by Dubai Cares, in collaboration with the Community Development Authority (CDA), and timed with the upcoming academic year. The goal: to ensure every child, regardless of financial background, feels prepared and proud on their first day of school.
"It’s more than just a school bag," said Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares. "It’s about dignity, motivation, and opening up a future full of possibilities." He watched as volunteers high-fived each other after completing a table of kits. "They’re not just packing bags; they’re packing dreams."
The kits included:
Each kit was designed not only to cover the essentials but also to feel personal. Volunteers wrote handwritten notes to slip into some of the bags — short messages of encouragement like "You’ve got this!" or "Believe in your brilliance."
For many of the volunteers, it was a family affair. Parents brought their children to teach them about compassion and community. School groups came to contribute to a cause close to their hearts. Corporate teams saw it as an opportunity to give back, build morale, and connect outside the office.
"It’s one thing to donate money," said Ahmed, a young professional who took a break from his weekend to participate. "But being here, packing each item by hand — it makes you feel the impact. You imagine the child opening that bag on the first day of school and feeling like they belong."
Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has long championed education as a tool for transformation. Since its founding in 2007, it has reached over 24 million beneficiaries in 60 countries. The Volunteer Emirates program is a local extension of that mission, focusing on mobilizing community spirit within the UAE.
As the final bags were stacked and sealed, applause broke out spontaneously. Volunteers hugged and posed for pictures, knowing they'd made a difference — not just in supplies, but in spirit.
Initiatives like Volunteer Emirates don’t just benefit schools — they strengthen the social fabric of neighborhoods and cities. In Dubai’s dynamic property market, community programs play an increasingly important role in shaping where residents choose to live. Areas with strong civic engagement and visible social initiatives often see higher tenant retention and community satisfaction.
For developers and investors, supporting or partnering with such programs can enhance brand reputation and align with ESG goals. Properties located in districts known for active community life — including education support, wellness initiatives, and volunteer programs — tend to attract more families and long-term tenants.
In a city where luxury towers rise weekly, it’s these human stories — a child’s smile, a volunteer’s time — that give neighborhoods soul and sustainability.
