Page 137 - MBRF PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

The Year of Community in the UAE: A call for

collective action

Philanthropy and social responsibility are embedded in our nation’s DNA
Published: Wed 12 Mar 2025, 7:25 PM

• By

• Hussain Al Mahmoudi

A community iftar in Sharjah. The Year of Community is not just about government-led initiatives. It
is about each of us recognizing our role in building a better society.
The UAE’s designation of this year as the Year of Community is a powerful reminder that true
progress is not measured solely by economic success but by the strength of our collective bonds.
Throughout my career in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community-driven initiatives, I
have witnessed how businesses, institutions, and individuals can drive meaningful social change.

Philanthropy and social responsibility are not new concepts in the UAE. They were embedded in our
nation’s DNA by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision of
generosity and humanitarianism laid the foundation for a culture of giving. His belief that a strong
nation is built on the well-being of its people continues to inspire us today.

The Year of Community is not just a symbolic gesture — it is an opportunity for each of us to reflect
on our role in shaping a more inclusive, compassionate, and sustainable future. It is a time to move

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/the-year-of-community-in-the-uae-a-call-for-collective-action