A defining new era for philanthropy and strategic giving in the UAE

How the nation is reshaping its legacy of giving through innovation, strategy and inclusive impact

- Badr Jafar

Philanthropy in the UAE is un-dergoing a profound trans-formation. Rooted in cen-turies-old traditions of faith and community, it is now evolving into a dynamic force for systemic change and innovation. Philanthropy is not only growing in volume - it is advancing with sharper purpose and more strategic intent, building an ecosystem as forward-looking and ambitious as the UAE itself.

To better understand this shift, I had the privilege of interviewing over 50 thought and action leaders from around the world, including several distinguished voices from the UAE, who are helping to shape the future of giving for my book, The Business of Philanthropy.

At the heart of this shift is a growing recognition that philanthropy can fund experimental, high-impact solutions that governments or businesses may be unable to tackle on their own. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah and founder of the Kalimat Foundation, notes: "Philanthropy is risk capital, we can and should take risks and go where others are unable to." This mindset is unlocking a more entrepreneurial model of giving - one that positions philanthropy as a driver of bold experimentation deep-rooted transformation. Business leaders turned philanthropists are increasingly applying the same principles that powered their commercial success to their philanthropic pursuits setting clear objectives, measuring outcomes and fostering collaboration. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of Mashreq Bank and Chair of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, emphasised: "We should approach philanthropy in the same way we would our businesses, with clear and specific goals in mind."

A legacy recast