#DubaiDoesGood: Because the Year of Giving is all about paying it forward.

With all of the bad (and we mean really bad) things happening in the world right now, we think it’s about time to start focusing on the good.

It just so happens that 2017 is the Year of Giving, as declared by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

But what does that actually mean? And how can we get involved?

Well, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had some ideas.

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“There are so many ways to give,” the royal said.

“We can give back to our environment – to clean beaches and deserts, to care for trees and to be kind to all inhabitants on our earth. ‘Giving’ is easy and abundant… it is feeding a bird, smiling at your neighbors, or going above and beyond at your job.”

Of course, the Year of Giving is all about helping others without expecting anything in return.

But maybe you know someone extra special who deserves to be recognised for their good work?

WE WANT TO SPEND THE YEAR SHARING YOUR STORIES

If so, we want to hear your stories. That’s why we’ve come up with #DubaiDoesGood.

Maybe someone helped you out during a tough time, or perhaps you know about a local business or person that is giving back to the community in a really special way. Maybe you have an amazing teacher or colleague who always goes that extra mile, and you want to sing their praises.

All you have to do is direct message us on Facebook, and tell us a little about them, or chuck us an email at siobhan.downes@motivate.ae. Or if you just want to share the love more generally, throw a story out there on social media with the hashtag #DubaiDoesGood.

We’ll then be in touch to find out more and tell your story to the city (and hopefully make some people smile)…

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Photos: Getty & MediaOffice.