Volunteer
with purpose

No prior volunteering experience is required. You only need a positive attitude and a willingness to support the community. All volunteers will receive guidance and training.

You can register through the Gift It Forward website. Once your registration is confirmed, you will receive instructions, event details and training modules.

All volunteers must:
•    Watch the volunteer information video.
•    Register through the website and select the marketplaces you would like to volunteer at.
•    Complete a short online sustainability training.
•    Attend the on-site health, safety and environment briefings held at the marketplaces during Ramadan.

These steps ensure a safe and seamless experience for everyone.

Volunteers may support with:
•    Stand and donation management.
•    Queue coordination.
•    Assisting beneficiaries with gift selection.
•    Distribution of items.

Volunteers are not required to lift or move heavy items.

Gift It Forward marketplaces are pop-up shop-style experiences that enable beneficiaries to personally select items for themselves and their families, nurturing a dignified and joyful donation experience. Hosted throughout Ramadan, these marketplaces are organised across the UAE to ensure donations reach those most in need.

Donation items will be organised before beneficiaries arrive and the items displayed by category, from clothing and household items to children’s goods and electronics. Every item is brand-new or in excellent quality.

Marketplaces will be held across Dubai and other Emirates, including worker accommodations, community centres and schools. Some activations will take place before Iftar and others after Iftar, with both weekday and weekend options.

A full calendar of events will be published in January 2026 for volunteer registration, after which you can select your preferred dates and time slots.

Yes. Volunteers must remain for the full duration of the event, as each role is essential to a seamless marketplace experience.

Yes. You are more than welcome and encouraged to support multiple activations.

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement and closed-toe shoes. As marketplaces take place during Ramadan, volunteers are encouraged to dress modestly. A volunteer vest will be provided on-site.

Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from marketplace locations.

Some volunteering slots are open to immediate family members. Please review the specific event guidelines before registering, as certain venues may not be suitable for children.

Yes. If required, please select this option during registration. A dedicated refreshment area will be provided for non-fasting volunteers. Water coolers will also be provided so please bring your own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce single-plastic waste.

Yes. Volunteers who complete their shift will receive a certificate of appreciation.
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To ensure accurate attendance, volunteers must check-in on arrival and check-out at the end of their shift. Checking out of a marketplace and completing the post-event survey ensures that volunteers will receive their certificates.

Yes. Volunteers registered with the Community Development Authority may receive volunteer credit hours for Dubai-based activations.

CDA registration must be completed at least three weeks before participating in a marketplace. Support on this can be provided after you register for your volunteer shift.

Contact details of a volunteer manager will be shared with you in the confirmation email upon registering as a volunteer.