Who can join Abu Dhabi Scouts
BSO Groups operate under The Scout Association's Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). Youth membership is open to anyone living in the host country who isn't a national of it — UK families, third-country families, dual-nationals whose other nationality isn't the host country. Volunteer membership is open to anyone over 18 regardless of nationality. The detail below explains the practical eligibility in plain English; POR 3.2.1.1 is the canonical rule.
Can you join?
- Young people
- Yes — if you live in the host country and aren't a national of it. UK, third-country and dual-national families all qualify.
- Volunteers (18+)
- Yes — anyone over 18, any nationality, including nationals of the host country.
- The canonical rule
- (This follows POR 3.2.1.1 — The Scout Association's rule for every BSO group.)
The detail, in plain English
We meet in English
We meet in English. Children are warmly welcomed regardless of background as long as they (or their carers) are comfortable enough in English to follow the session and the safeguarding language.
Not for host-country nationals
Membership of British Scouting Overseas is for families who are not nationals of the United Arab Emirates. UAE nationals are warmly directed to the Emirates Scout Association — see scouting in the UAE.
Open to any adult, 18+
Volunteer membership is different. Anyone over 18 is welcome to help out, whatever your nationality — including nationals of the host country. See the volunteer page for the current roles.
Where to go instead
If you're a UAE national or you'd rather your child join a Scouting body that operates in Arabic, the WOSM-recognised options are listed under scouting in the UAE.
(This follows POR 3.2.1.1 — The Scout Association's rule for every BSO group.)