Doha: HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi has described the issuance of the unified system for voluntary work law across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states as an important milestone in strengthening coordination and integration among member states in the volunteering sector.
According to Qatar News Agency, the issuance of Law No. (6) of 2026 establishes a GCC-wide framework, representing a significant step towards harmonizing regulations governing volunteering activities across the Gulf. HE the minister noted that the law will contribute to improving the efficiency of voluntary work, standardizing procedures and criteria, and enhancing joint responses in humanitarian and development initiatives, particularly during crises and regional events. This reflects a shared Gulf vision to develop volunteering as a key tool for sustainable development and to reinforce values of cooperation and solidarity among GCC societies.
The unified law aims to regulate and develop voluntary work by encouraging participation from individuals and institutions while establishing a common legal framework for volunteering activities across member states. The legislation includes provisions for regulating volunteer organizations and teams, creating official registries for volunteers and voluntary programs, and defining the responsibilities of host entities, including training volunteers, ensuring their safety, and issuing official certificates documenting completed volunteer work.
Additionally, the law sets forth obligations for volunteers, including compliance with regulations and safeguarding confidential information. It prohibits any form of direct or indirect financial gain from voluntary work and bans unauthorized fundraising or related advertising. Furthermore, it establishes guidelines for cross-border volunteering and mechanisms for volunteer engagement during emergencies and disasters.
The minister emphasized that the law aligns with Qatar's broader efforts to promote and regulate voluntary work domestically, particularly alongside the launch of the National Volunteer Platform, which serves as a comprehensive framework for organizing and enabling volunteer participation in community service. She underscored that this initiative reflects Qatar's commitment to strengthening a culture of social responsibility and humanitarian engagement while supporting wider GCC efforts to institutionalize and enhance voluntary work across the region.