Rotary is a non-sectarian, non-denominational worldwide service organization. We are 1.2 million multidisciplinary neighbors, friends, family, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting and remarkable change in our communities and around the world.

We provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Our organization welcomes everyone regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender or political preference.

Business people, students, community advocates and volunteers, educators, politicians, clergy, neighbors, retirees, and global citizens who unite for the common good. Applications from sponsors of persons of good character and good business or professional reputation are considered.

Rotary clubs endeavor to have a total membership that reflects their community with regard to professional and business classification, gender, age, religion, and ethnicity.

Our distinct point of view and approach gives us unique advantages:

• We see differently: our multidisciplinary perspective helps us see challenges in unique ways.
• We think differently: we apply leadership and expertise to social issues and find unique solutions.
• We act responsibly: our passion and perseverance create lasting change.

Rotarian impact begins with members solving some of their communities’ toughest challenges. Support is often provided through Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation with grants that fund much of the work. It is through the passion and enthusiasm of club members that projects are selected.

Rotarians worldwide are inspired by the Rotary theme of service above self and are guided by reference to The Four-Way Test. In particular, The Four-Way Test challenges Rotarians, in everything we think, say, or do:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The term Five Avenues of Service is frequently used within Rotary. The Avenues refer to the Objectives of Rotary which are broken into the five elements. When a Rotarian understands and travels down the “Five Avenues of Service,” the Object of Rotary evolves into deeper meaning.

1. Club Service: involves all of the activities necessary for Rotarians to make their club function successfully.
2. Vocational Service: is a description of the opportunity each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one’s vocation to the other members of the club.
3. Community Service: pertains to those activities that Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community.
4. International Service: describes the many programs and activities that Rotarians undertake to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace.
5. Next Generation Service: reflects the sponsorship of youth in the community and abroad.

Yes. Clubs plan and implement meetings, service projects, and conferences so that spouses, significant others, and family members can easily participate.

Rotary was started in 1905 by a young Paul P. Harris, and three of his friends. He wished to recapture the friendly spirit he had felt among business people in the small town where he had grown up. Their weekly meetings “rotated” among their offices, thereby providing the new service club with its name. 

Rotary is organized at club, district, and international levels. Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of the standard constitution and bylaws of Rotary International. 

A classification describes either a member’s principal business, professional service, community involvement, or the role of the Rotarian within Rotary. Examples of classifications include health care management, tourism, banking and resource management.

Rotary uses classifications to establish and maintain a vibrant cross-section or representation of the community’s interests, and to develop a pool of resources and expertise for successful service projects.

Candidates for membership must:

• Hold, be studying for, or be retired from a position of proven leadership or professional stature in the public or private sector.
• Demonstrate commitment to volunteer service within the community.
• Have the availability and the willingness to meet the club’s attendance and community project participation requirements.
• Reside or work within the UAE.
• Enthusiasm for Rotary’s mission.

No. Membership in a Rotary club is by invitation only. Only a Rotarian may recommend a prospective member to join a Rotary club. In UAE, applications also need to pass background checks conducted by UAE government entities.

Rotaray was started on February 23^rd, 1905 in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Yes, Rotaract Cosmopolitan Dubai is one of several amazing chapters or Rotary.

We have several wonderful chapters (clubs) of Rotary across Dubai and the UAE. While our chapter of Rotaray often meets around DIFC, Rotary UAE has an office at Dubai Expo in the Dubai Cares Pavilion.

Yes, we welcome guests at each of our fortnightly events. It’s usually around AED250 to attend which after costs goes directly to supporting our non-profit causes.

Rotaract is the youth arm of Rotary. Therefore, the primary difference is that Rotaract clubs are for people between 18 and 30 years old while Rotary is generally for professionals aged 30 and above. This reflects in the scale of the community projects each gets involved in and the regular social activities each participate in.

AED3,500 is the annual membership fee for joining our chapter. However, this decreases after the first year.

Yes, Rotary is an NGO. It is not managed by a government and focuses on helping address social challenges while facilitating connectivity among its members.