Three UAE residents dedicated thousands of hours to volunteering at various events and causes — from distributing Iftar food packs during Ramadan to packaging relief goods, guiding passengers at Dubai Metro, and serving as marshals. For their selfless efforts, the three expatriates, an Indian, Ugandan, and a Filipino, have been honored with Golden Visas.
Arshad Junaid, 32, originally from Bihar, India, and currently a sales executive at a private auto spare parts company in Dubai, takes pride in his extensive volunteer service. Holding his newly issued Emirates ID valid for 10 years, Junaid shared with Khaleej Times: “My journey as a volunteer began after I moved to Dubai in 2017. I had previously engaged in social work in India and was keen to find similar opportunities here. In January 2018, I met Khalid Nawab, the chairman of Nabdh Al Emarat volunteer team.”
“Initially, I faced challenges, but my turning point came when I read an article in Khaleej Times about volunteering. That inspired me to create a profile and actively participate in events. Since then, I have completed over 1,000 volunteer hours through the Dubai Government volunteer platform,” he added. “Volunteering has now become my hobby,” Junaid proudly stated, noting: “It hasn’t been easy, especially since it’s unpaid work. My friends often question why I do it when many come to Dubai to earn money and I’m doing work for free.”
Despite the taunts and challenges, Junaid remained undeterred. “For me, social work is a noble pursuit. I never consider payment. I simply want to make a difference. I encourage other UAE residents to join the volunteer team. After volunteering, you feel relaxed and fulfilled. It’s like starting a new journey each week,” he assured. Junaid also noted “other perks” such as meeting prominent figures through his volunteering efforts, including big-time Indian actors, politicians, and sheikhs.
“One of my most memorable moments was meeting Sheikha Mahra,” he recalled, adding that he finds inspiration in Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. “The Golden Visa is a gift from the UAE Government to volunteers. It’s a dream for many of us, and I never expected to receive it so easily,” said Junaid, reflecting on the honor of being recognized for his contributions to society.
Mubarack Nsubuga, a 27-year-old mechanical engineering technician from Uganda, has made a significant impact through his volunteering efforts in the UAE. Currently residing in Abu Dhabi, Mubarack’s journey began with Expo 2020 Dubai, where he discovered a passion for giving back to the community.
“My volunteering journey started with the Expo 2020 Dubai. After the Expo, I took it as a passion to dedicate my time away from work to volunteering, especially during Ramadan Iftar distributions and at various Abu Dhabi sports events,” he said. Since moving to Abu Dhabi, Nsubuga has collaborated with numerous organizations, including Emirati Marshals, Ma’an, Emirates Red Crescent, Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, OSS Organisation, and Emirates Youth Foundation.
“When I accumulated 600 volunteering hours, I realized I was eligible to apply for the Golden Visa nomination in the humanitarian pioneers category,” he said. “I applied for the Golden Visa online through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security) portal. My nomination was approved, paving the way for a 10-year visa application.”
Nsubuga’s current volunteering activities focus on sports events and cultural festivals. “I really enjoy volunteering in sports events in the UAE like marathons, UAE tours, Dubai Run, and cycling events. I also participate in cultural festivals such as the Sheikh Zayed Festival, Maritime Heritage Festival, Al Hosn Festival, and National Day celebrations.” Nsubuga is also committed to Ramadan Iftar distributions, where volunteers pack meals for workers and street distributions. His commitment also extends to environmental initiatives, supporting programs like UAE Clean Up and Connect with Nature.
Filipino expat J Rom Anoling dela Cruz will be turning 36 on October 19 and received an early birthday gift last month when he was awarded his Golden Visa. A Dubai resident for 10 years, dela Cruz, who works as a finance manager at an interior design company in Al Quoz, said getting the Golden Visa is the best gift he received as an expat. “It shows that the UAE is truly a welcoming country,” he said.
De la Cruz has been doing volunteer work with various Filipino community organizations since 2018. Early this year, he registered at volunteers.ae and has completed more than 600 volunteer hours. He shared: “I started by joining several food distribution campaigns at workers’ accommodation. Then, after Ramadan, I enlisted as a volunteer at Dubai Metro.”
“Since I work near OnPassive Metro Station, every day – after work – I don my yellow vest and work as a volunteer. I help manage the crowd, guide tourists which station they have to go down, and also remind and check e-scooter riders,” he added. “It’s actually a rewarding job – the smile you receive from people you help is a big reward in itself. Then came the Golden Visa, which is really a big bonus,” added dela Cruz, who is planning on bringing his family to the UAE to also avail of the Golden Visa.
“My wife and our three kids – aged 13, 11, 10 – are all eligible for the UAE Golden Visa,” he proudly added. For those who would like to follow in the footsteps of Junaid, Nsubuga, and dela Cruz, here’s a complete guide on the different platforms across the UAE where you can register for volunteering, donating, and other initiatives.
