Dubai Community Contributions Establishment Charts Future of Humanitarian Work Through JOOD Retreat
Dubai Community Contributions Establishment (JOOD) has taken a significant step toward shaping the future of humanitarian efforts in the emirate, hosting its inaugural JOOD Retreat to align public and private sector roles under a unified vision of giving.
Held in line with Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the UAE's Year of Community, the retreat brought together leaders from government, business, and the non-profit sector to build a comprehensive roadmap for community contributions. The event focused on redefining how social impact is delivered, measured, and sustained.
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority, highlighted the retreat as a strategic move to build a future-ready, inclusive model of social giving rooted in Dubai's values. 'We are creating a model that extends beyond money—it includes time, knowledge, and skills,'
she said.
Dr. Ahmed Tahlak of Tarahum Charity Foundation called for clear metrics to assess social and economic impact, while education philanthropist Sunny Varkey emphasised the importance of contribution over achievement, praising Dubai's commitment to humanitarian excellence.
Structured around four pillars—sustainability, engagement, impact, and innovation—the retreat featured thematic dialogues, workshops, and real-life storytelling sessions. Discussions explored how to scale impact through digital tools, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative partnerships.
Key outcomes included the adoption of a unified framework for social responsibility across sectors and a strategy for managing financial and non-financial resources to achieve long-term, measurable outcomes.
Ahmed Darwish Al-Muhairi, Vice Chairman of the JOOD Board of Trustees, said the retreat has set the stage for JOOD to become a global benchmark in community development.
By aligning strategy with action, JOOD aims to strengthen Dubai's leadership in sustainable giving and build a resilient ecosystem of empowered communities.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
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