Volunteering with Al Noor Training Centre
About Al Noor Training Centre
Al Noor Training Centre has been part of Dubai life for more than four decades. It opened on 21 November 1981 with just eight children and today supports People of Determination in Al Barsha, offering assessment, education, therapy and vocational training. It accepts children with a range of disabilities, and its trans-disciplinary teams work with each student on an individual plan.
The centre goes well beyond the classroom. Khaleej Times reported in July 2026 on its use of assistive technology, including communication devices and eye-gaze systems, its Centre for Research, Innovation and Development, and a Supported and Inclusive Employment Programme with more than 100 alumni in work. It also runs vocational units, parent training, advocacy groups and sibling initiatives, and has plans to strengthen early intervention for children aged 0 to 4.
Earlier coverage of the centre has mentioned vocational programmes such as woodwork, printing, fashion and bakery, and facilities including a gym, swimming pool and auditorium.
What volunteers do
Al Noor has a long-running volunteer programme for individuals and companies. According to Gulf News, volunteers help with classroom assistance, administration, and community events and projects, as well as supporting the children’s training and care. The centre assesses each volunteer’s skills and interests before deciding where they will be most useful.
Corporate groups are a big part of the picture. Companies have run volunteer days here, from Yardi’s team leading workshops and painting classrooms during Ramadan to Galadari Brothers staff joining activities with students in 2026 and buying products the students had made. Gulf News has reported group sizes of around 15 to 25 volunteers for these days.
Who can volunteer
When Gulf News covered the programme, volunteers needed to be at least 16 years old and legal UAE residents, and could choose their own days and hours. That report dates from 2018, so please confirm the current rules with the centre when you apply. Corporate volunteer days need to be booked in advance.
How to get involved
- Visit the website. Start at alnoorspneeds.ae for the latest contact details and any volunteer information.
- Get in touch. Explain whether you are applying as an individual or a company group, and share your availability and any skills, such as teaching, therapy, admin, photography or events.
- Expect a short assessment. The centre matches volunteers to roles based on their skills and interests.
- For companies: ask about available dates early, as corporate days are booked ahead.
- Register on volunteers.ae. As a general tip, having a profile on the UAE Volunteers platform can make sign-ups with many UAE organisations smoother.
Other ways to help
Al Noor relies on community and corporate support. Companies have made significant donations in the past, and individuals can help too. Buying products made by students, as visiting groups have done, supports their skills and independence. If you work for a company with a CSR budget, a sponsored volunteer day combines both time and funding.
You can also help by spreading the word about inclusive employment. Al Noor’s employment programme depends on employers willing to give its graduates a chance.
Good to know
Volunteering with People of Determination calls for patience and consistency. If you are offering regular sessions, be realistic about how often you can come, because familiar faces matter to many students.
Follow the staff’s lead. They know each student’s needs, communication style and routines, and they will guide you on how best to help.
Respect privacy. Do not take or share photos of students unless the centre gives clear permission.
If you are under 18, ask whether you need a parent’s consent before you apply.
Think about what you can offer beyond general help. Volunteers with experience in teaching, therapy, IT, design or human resources may be able to support the centre’s classrooms, its assistive technology work or its employment programme. Mention any such skills when you first get in touch, as it helps the team place you well from the start.
Contact and links
- Website: www.alnoorspneeds.ae
- Location: Al Barsha, Dubai
- Further reading: Khaleej Times on Al Noor’s assistive technology work
For anyone who wants regular, meaningful volunteering in Dubai, Al Noor is a strong place to start a conversation.