National Volunteer Week: Building Community in Dubai
By Courtney Buchanan
In a city defined by movement, ambition and global connection, two Carleton alumni saw an opportunity to build something meaningful.
For Mazen Kaddoura (MA/98) and Nour Younis (BA/10), the idea for a Carleton University Alumni Association chapter in Dubai began with a simple observation. “I noticed that other universities were active, and we weren’t as much,” Mazen reflected. “And I thought, why not?” In a place like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where people from all over the world come together, the absence of a Carleton alumni network felt like a missed opportunity.
For Nour, the motivation to volunteer was deeply personal. “I’ve always had a passion and a knack for connecting people. The opportunity to network with fellow grads really resonated with me, particularly because I had such a great experience at Carleton,” she shared.
Mazen shared a similar vision, grounded in community and belonging.
“Our goal is to connect with people from the many nationalities represented among our alumni in Dubai. Since many alumni are here temporarily, we also want to help make Dubai feel like home for them.”
That idea of “home” carries real weight in a place where many are navigating life without their usual support systems. As Nour explained, “A lot of us are in the UAE without our families, so we’re kind of alone. It would be nice to bond with people over a shared experience.”
Behind the growth of the Dubai Chapter is something essential: volunteers willing to step forward and make it happen. Whether it’s organizing events or reaching out to fellow grads, each effort helps turn an idea into a community. Working closely with the Department of University Advancement, Mazen and Nour helped organize and promote the group’s first alumni gathering welcoming President Wisdom Tettey and Vice-President (Research, Innovation and International) Rafik Goubran during their visit to Dubai last fall.
“At the end of the day, without volunteering, really nothing would happen,” Mazen noted.
It’s a simple truth, but one that speaks to the impact of alumni who choose to stay connected and give back. Through their efforts, spaces are created where Carleton alumni can feel welcomed, supported, and at home—no matter where they are in the world.
Looking ahead, Mazen and Nour hope to continue building the chapter and connecting with even more alumni across the UAE. The pair encourage alumni located in Dubai to join the group’s WhatsApp chat to stay up to date and connect with fellow alumni. They also see an opportunity to give back in new ways by supporting recruitment efforts and encouraging prospective students to consider Carleton.
Because at its core, the chapter is about more than networking.
From a simple observation to a growing community, the Dubai Chapter reflects what happens when alumni come together—with a shared goal of connection, and a willingness to make a place feel like home.
