H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, reaffirmed the emirate’s commitment to expanding its endowment sector. He attributed this success to the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
During a meeting with the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai (AWQAF Dubai) and key donors, Sheikh Hamdan praised efforts to enhance community development. He also announced that Dubai’s endowment assets grew to AED11.1 billion in 2024, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year.
“Dubai’s strategy has expanded endowment assets to 1,043, while the number of donors has grown to 578,” Sheikh Hamdan stated. “This growth highlights our commitment to fostering a culture of giving as a pillar of sustainable development.”
Innovation and Sustainability in Endowment Development
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s focus on modernizing endowments through innovation and long-term sustainability. “We will continue to position Dubai as a global hub for charitable work and humanitarian initiatives,” he said.
He also highlighted AWQAF Dubai’s efforts in using smart services and data-driven planning. “Endowments play a crucial role in supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare,” he added. “By adopting global best practices, we ensure a lasting impact on society.”
Women’s Growing Role in Endowments
Sheikh Hamdan noted a significant rise in women’s contributions. Female endowment assets reached AED1.3 billion in 2024, marking a 99.96% increase from the previous year. “This reflects the deep awareness among women in the UAE of their role in driving social change,” he said.
Endowment Asset Distribution
A 2024 report on Dubai’s endowments revealed a total valuation of AED11.1578 billion, categorized as follows:
- 882 charitable endowments valued at AED6.9 billion
- 113 family endowments worth AED3.1 billion
- 48 joint endowments amounting to AED1.1 billion
Real estate forms the largest share, valued at AED10 billion across 921 endowments. These include land, apartments, villas, shops, and buildings. Financial assets, such as shares and commercial licenses, total AED1.1 billion across 122 endowments.
Men’s endowments amount to AED6.2 billion across 689 endowments. Meanwhile, women’s endowments stand at AED1.3 billion across 207 endowments. Additionally, 679 endowments worth AED3.7 billion are managed by AWQAF Dubai, while 364 endowments valued at AED7.4 billion are overseen by third parties.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Issa Al Ghurair, Chairman of AWQAF Dubai, highlighted the success of efforts to promote endowments. “The increase in assets reflects growing confidence in our approach, which prioritizes innovation and sustainability,” he said.
Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary General of AWQAF Dubai, emphasized the importance of expanding endowments to align with Dubai’s vision. “With strong donor support, we have increased endowment assets, directing them towards education, healthcare, and orphan care,” he said.
By integrating digital tools and smart services, AWQAF Dubai aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in endowment management, ensuring long-term sustainability.
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