Dubai aims to strengthen its leadership in the endowment sector while expanding community-based service endowments. Recently, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, shared this vision during a meeting. Notably, he credited the success to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s guidance and leadership.
Furthermore, Sheikh Hamdan met with delegates from the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai (AWQAF Dubai) alongside prominent donors. During this gathering, he honored contributors to endowment projects that support community initiatives. Consequently, these projects enhance quality of life for low-income groups across the emirate.
Subsequently, he announced that Dubai’s endowment assets have grown to Dh11.1 billion in 2024. In fact, this represents a 9% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the total number of endowments has now reached 1,043, with donor numbers expanding to 578.
Undoubtedly, this growth highlights Dubai’s commitment to fostering a culture of giving as a foundation for sustainable development. As a result, the city continues to exemplify generosity and social solidarity through these initiatives. Moreover, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s commitment to advancing the endowment system through innovation.
In addition, he praised AWQAF Dubai for shaping the future of endowments with advanced smart services. Specifically, their data-driven planning supports education, healthcare, and social welfare projects. Therefore, by adopting global best practices, AWQAF Dubai enhances Dubai’s leadership in this sector.
Meanwhile, citizens, residents, and institutions have made significant contributions to endowment initiatives. Particularly, these focus on education, healthcare, and scientific research programs. Hence, AWQAF Dubai’s strategy allows organizations of all sizes to participate in community-focused projects.
Remarkably, women’s role in endowments has grown substantially. In particular, female endowment assets reached Dh1.3 billion in 2024—a striking 99.96% increase from last year. Accordingly, this reflects growing awareness of social responsibility among women in the UAE.
Furthermore, a 2024 report detailed the distribution of Dubai’s endowment assets. For instance, there are 882 charitable endowments valued at Dh6.9 billion. Similarly, family endowments number 113 worth Dh3.1 billion. Finally, joint endowments total 48, amounting to Dh1.1 billion.
Overall, real estate forms the largest category at Dh10 billion. Specifically, this comprises 921 endowments including land, apartments, and buildings. In contrast, financial assets total Dh1.1 billion across 122 endowments.
Additionally, men’s endowments reach Dh6.2 billion across 689 endowments. Likewise, women’s endowments total Dh1.3 billion across 207 endowments. Currently, AWQAF Dubai manages 679 endowments valued at Dh3.7 billion. Meanwhile, third parties oversee 364 endowments worth Dh7.4 billion.
Consequently, Issa Al Ghurair, Chairman of AWQAF Dubai’s Board, noted these figures demonstrate successful promotion of endowments. Indeed, the increasing assets reflect growing confidence in their approach. Thus, their strategy prioritizes innovation and sustainability for long-term impact.
In conclusion, Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary General of AWQAF Dubai, highlighted their alignment with Dubai’s development vision. With donor support, they direct endowment assets toward education, healthcare, and orphan care. Ultimately, digital transformation has enhanced transparency and efficiency in endowment management.
