Volunteering with Emirates Nature-WWF
About Emirates Nature-WWF
Emirates Nature-WWF is a UAE environmental non-profit, established in 2001 to drive positive change in the country and conserve its natural heritage. Its Honorary Founder and President is His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It works in association with WWF, the global conservation organisation.
Its work covers nature and wildlife, the green economy, climate action, food and water security, and getting the public involved. You may know some of its campaigns and initiatives, such as Earth Hour, Rethink Plastic and Food For Life, or its education projects including Connect With Nature, which helps children learn about the natural world. It also runs conservation projects on nature-based solutions, sustainable farming and community resilience.
What volunteers do
Public volunteering runs through Leaders of Change, which Emirates Nature-WWF describes as the UAE’s biggest movement for nature. Members volunteer “for nature, in nature”, often alongside conservation experts, and can choose from different impact tracks covering upskilling, co-creating solutions, volunteering for nature and conserving natural heritage.
Activities are varied and practical. Recent and upcoming events include mangrove clean-ups, wildlife camera trail hikes, monitoring native trees, pollinator surveys and kayaking for conservation. There are also short “missions” you can do on your own, such as noticing nature, protecting pollinators and reducing litter. Earlier press coverage also mentioned citizen science, heritage site restoration in the Northern Emirates and setting up nature trails.
Who can volunteer
Leaders of Change has three membership routes:
- Individual: for anyone signing up on their own.
- Government or Corporate: for employees of participating organisations.
- Universities: for students of participating institutions.
Age limits and fees are not stated on the volunteer page, so check each event listing before you book, especially if you plan to bring children.
How to get involved
- Visit Leaders of Change. Go to leadersofchange.ae/volunteer.
- Choose your membership. Pick Individual, Corporate or Government, or University, and click “Start here”.
- Download the app. Leaders of Change has apps on the App Store and Google Play, which help you track activities.
- Book events. Browse the event calendar and sign up for activities near you.
- Ask questions. Use the contact form or WhatsApp on 058 599 7234.
Upcoming campaigns
When we checked, the Leaders of Change website listed these November 2026 events:
- 1 November 2026: Mangrove Mayhem, Umm Al Quwain (about three hours)
- 7 November 2026: Life in the Wild: Camera Trails, Fujairah (about four hours)
- 8 November 2026: Monitoring Native Trees, Wadi Wurayah, Fujairah (about three hours)
- 8 November 2026: Kayak 4 Conservation, Abu Dhabi (about three hours)
Spaces and details can change, so book through the website and check your confirmation.
Other ways to help
- Donate: through support.emiratesnaturewwf.ae/donate.
- Take part in Earth Hour: the annual lights-off moment is an easy way to show support.
- Partner as a business: companies and government entities can fund or co-create conservation projects, or join as Leaders of Change partners via emiratesnaturewwf.ae/partner-with-us.
- Families: explore Connect With Nature for children’s activities.
Good to know
Many events are early in the morning and in the field, from mangroves to mountain wadis. As general advice, wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring plenty of water and leave plenty of time to reach places like Wadi Wurayah.
Follow the experts’ lead around wildlife. Fieldwork is about observing and recording, not disturbing.
Events are spread across the country, from Umm Al Quwain’s mangroves to Fujairah’s mountains and the waters around Abu Dhabi. That makes Leaders of Change a good way to see parts of the UAE you might not otherwise visit, while doing something useful. Car-sharing with other volunteers can make the longer drives easier.
If you work for a large company or government entity, check whether your employer is already a Leaders of Change partner. If it is, you may be able to join through the corporate route and take part with colleagues.
The calendar changes regularly, so check it every few weeks rather than relying on a single visit.
Contact and links
- Website: www.emiratesnaturewwf.ae
- Get involved: emiratesnaturewwf.ae/en/get-involved
- Leaders of Change: www.leadersofchange.ae
- WhatsApp: 058 599 7234