Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work celebrates heritage days

February 14, 2026 / 10:17 PM

Sharjah24: The Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work, affiliated with the Sharjah Social Services Department, participated in the 23rd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days with a dedicated platform to introduce the award to the public. Executive Director Suad Al Shamsi emphasised the diversity of participation to reach the largest possible audience. The award’s management ensured that its participation covered several objectives: highlighting the award’s engagement in government events in the emirate, promoting its mission and goals in spreading and enhancing a culture of volunteering, and inspiring young people and children to engage in volunteer work and public service. The Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work is the first of its kind in the UAE and the Arab world, supporting and encouraging volunteer efforts in all forms.

Interactive workshops for children

Al Shamsi added that another focus was to showcase the event’s accompanying activities, including interactive workshops for children that combined heritage with the values of volunteering. These included colouring workshops featuring images of volunteer projects and an environmental volunteering workshop with seedling planting, which received strong engagement, particularly from children.

Publications and promotional materials

A set of publications and informational materials about the award was distributed, including a special issue prepared for Sharjah Heritage Days. This children’s magazine featured a short story on the importance of volunteering and its connection to heritage values. Copies of the Volunteer magazine, issued by the Sharjah Volunteer Award, were also distributed as gifts for children, along with canvas bags featuring the Sharjah logo and various designs.

Promoting volunteerism and societal values

The award recognises individuals who contribute their time, effort, or resources to volunteering, giving them due attention, care, and appreciation. It aims to develop future leaders in volunteer work through recognition and support, and to encourage groups that provide ongoing, sustainable contributions to volunteering and its institutions. The award also seeks to make volunteering appealing to young generations, instil a culture of giving and public service as a sustainable social behaviour, and cultivate ethical values while discouraging negative practices. This contributes to building balanced, aware, and responsible individuals, supporting a cohesive society based on solidarity, cooperation, and mutual aid, and strengthening the bonds of community service and social advancement.