In line with the UAE Year of Community, the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development has launched the fourth edition of its Wyakom initiative. This leading community platform empowers individuals to act as active partners in developing innovative and sustainable solutions for community growth.
This edition calls for innovative and sustainable ideas that address key challenges facing youth, centred on three core pillars: Growth, Prosperity, and Leadership. Through these pillars, Wyakom seeks to find solutions that develop young people's financial, social, and leadership skills while promoting community engagement through volunteering, sports, and the arts. A further key objective is to foster a healthy work-life balance and encourage a mindful approach to modern technologies.
To encourage community participation, the department also unveiled the initiative’s newly updated website. Featuring a modern design and a smoother user experience, the platform makes it easier for participants to submit their ideas and connect directly with the team, ensuring a more engaging and interactive experience.
Since its launch, Wyakom has established itself as a pioneering social platform, having received more than 530 ideas from the community across its previous cycles. Many of these ideas have been transformed into real projects and initiatives that contributed to improving quality of life in the emirate.
Dr Yousif Al Zaabi, Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, said: “We are committed to engaging the community in addressing social challenges. The Wyakom initiative provides an interactive platform that turns ideas into tangible achievements, supporting a more cohesive and developed society.”
Dr Al Zaabi added that the fourth cycle places a special emphasis on youth, describing them as the foundation of today and the makers of tomorrow. Dr Al Zaabi emphasised the importance of collaborating with all partners to empower young people, equipping them with essential social, financial, and leadership skills while providing creative and participatory spaces.
Dr Al Zaabi said: "This strengthens their role in advancing social development across the emirate."
Dr Al Zaabi further emphasised that Wyakom treats every idea from the community as a potential catalyst for progress.
Dr Al Zaabi said: “From this standpoint, we invite everyone to participate actively. Together, we can continue to foster a culture of innovation, create initiatives that tangibly improve lives, and support Abu Dhabi’s vision for inclusive and sustainable development, which is a vision rooted in our core values of giving and solidarity.”
The next phase introduces interactive workshops designed to help participants refine their ideas and navigate the submission process. The deadline for submissions is 11 November 2025, and the winning ideas will be announced later this year. Selected projects will receive comprehensive support including funding, mentorship, and development resources to bring these pioneering community initiatives to life.
The launch of Wyakom's fourth cycle underscores the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of social innovation. It also reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s position as a city that champions community cohesion by turning the values of giving and compassion into tangible reality.
The initiative is open to all Abu Dhabi residents, who can submit their ideas on the website: wyakom.addcd.gov.ae.
