Volunteering with Al Jalila Foundation
About Al Jalila Foundation
Al Jalila Foundation is a Dubai not-for-profit dedicated to transforming lives through medical treatment, education and research. It was established in April 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and today sits within Dubai Health. Its offices are in Dubai Healthcare City.
The foundation’s work covers a wide range. On the care side, its A’awen programme helps people who cannot afford treatment, and The Child Fund supports children. It funds scholarships for medical professionals, runs a Biomedical Research Center and the Dubai Health Biobank, and backs major projects including the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital. Its community programmes include Ta’alouf, Wellness on Wheels and Majlis Al Amal.
Majlis Al Amal is worth a special mention. It was the UAE’s first cancer drop-in centre, offering women with cancer and survivors a “home away from home”. Members can drop in for information, art workshops, educational sessions with medical experts and wellbeing activities, all free of charge and delivered with the help of volunteers.
What volunteers do
The foundation’s volunteering runs through The Giving Oasis Community Volunteering Program. It supports patients and their families and aims to improve their experience across Dubai Health facilities, in line with Dubai Health’s “Patient First” promise. Volunteers help with:
- Patient visits
- Organising hospital events and activities
- Community campaigns
- External awareness initiatives such as Wellness on Wheels
It is people-focused work. A friendly visit or a well-run hospital event can make a long stay feel a little lighter for patients and families.
Who can volunteer
The foundation does not publish age limits or minimum commitments on its volunteering page. Because much of the work takes place in healthcare settings, expect some checks and guidance before you start. Ask the community team about any requirements when you apply.
How to get involved
- Visit the programme page. Go to the Community Volunteering Program page.
- Download the form. Use the “Register here” link to get the volunteer registration form (PDF).
- Complete and send it. Fill in your details and return the form as instructed.
- Ask questions by email. Contact the community team at Community@aljalilafoundation.ae.
- Look out for campaigns. The foundation’s press releases list new initiatives, which often need extra hands.
Upcoming campaigns
In October 2026 the foundation launched the 12th edition of #PINKtober, its campaign supporting women with breast cancer. We did not find dated volunteer events for November 2026 to February 2027 on its website, so check the press releases page for announcements.
Other ways to help
- Make a donation: via the donation page, with options including zakat, treatment, cancer patient treatment, The Child Fund, organ transplant, Ta’alouf and medical research.
- Help a specific patient: through giving.aljalilafoundation.ae.
- Shop for good: the foundation lists The Charity Shop, Checkout for Good and Charity of Choice among its ways to give.
- Endowments: its WAQF options include the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital Endowment.
Good to know
Hospital volunteering asks for reliability and discretion. Patients’ privacy comes first, so never share names, stories or photos without permission.
If you are unwell, stay home. Visiting patients with even a mild cold can put vulnerable people at risk.
Be clear about what you can offer. Some volunteers are happy to chat with patients, while others prefer to help behind the scenes with events, logistics or campaign material. Both are useful, and saying which you prefer on your form helps the team place you well.
Corporate teams can also get involved. If your company is looking for a meaningful health-related cause, ask the community team whether group volunteering or a sponsored campaign is possible.
Finally, if you or someone close to you has been affected by cancer, Majlis Al Amal is worth knowing about in its own right. It offers women a welcoming place to find information, company and support, and it is a good example of how volunteers shape the foundation’s work.
Contact and links
- Website: www.aljalilafoundation.ae
- Volunteering: Community@aljalilafoundation.ae
- Contact page: aljalilafoundation.ae/en/contact-details
- Address: First Floor, Building 12, Dubai Healthcare City, P.O. Box 300100, Dubai