Real estate accounts for the largest share of endowments, valued at AED10 billion
The value of endowment assets in Dubai has risen to AED11.1 billion ($3 billion) in 2024, a 9 percent growth compared to the previous year, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said.
“Dubai’s strategy to expand endowment assets has raised the total number of endowments to 1,043, while the number of donors has grown to 578,” Sheikh Hamdan said, affirming that Dubai remains committed to strengthening its leadership in the endowment sector and expanding community-based service endowments.
Sheikh Hamdan made these remarks while meeting with a delegation from the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai (AWQAF Dubai) alongside several prominent donors. The meeting was held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler.
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Growing role of women
Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the growing role of women in endowments, noting that female endowment assets reached AED1.3 billion in 2024, a remarkable 99.96 percent increase from the previous year. “This reflects the deep awareness among women in the UAE of the importance of social responsibility and collective efforts in driving positive societal change,” he said.
A report on Dubai’s endowment assets in 2024 revealed that total assets reached AED11.1578 billion. Endowments are distributed across key categories, including 882 charitable endowments valued at AED6.9 billion, 113 family endowments worth AED3.1 billion, and 48 joint endowments amounting to AED1.1 billion.
Real estate leads
The report highlighted that real estate accounts for the largest share of endowments, valued at AED10 billion and comprising 921 endowments, including land, apartments, villas, shops, and buildings. Meanwhile, financial assets — including shares and commercial licenses — total AED1.1 billion, distributed across 122 endowments.
Men’s endowments amounted to AED6.2 billion across 689 endowments, while women’s endowments reached AED1.3 billion across 207 endowments, reinforcing the active role of women in supporting the sector. Administratively, 679 endowments valued at AED3.7 billion are managed by AWQAF Dubai, while 364 endowments worth AED7.4 billion are overseen by third parties.
AWQAF’s contributions
Sheikh Hamdan praised AWQAF Dubai’s efforts in expanding endowments and strengthening their role in advancing comprehensive community development.
He honored several donors for their contributions to endowment projects that support community initiatives, drive development plans, and enhance the quality of life for low-income groups.
“The growth in endowment assets underscores Dubai’s commitment to embedding a culture of giving as a pillar of sustainable development,” Sheikh Hamdan added. “Dubai continues to set a pioneering example in generosity, fostering social solidarity, and empowering individuals and institutions to contribute to key sectors,” he said.
Smart services
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan highlighted AWQAF Dubai’s role in shaping the future of endowments through advanced smart services and data-driven planning. “Endowments are a key pillar in supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare, reflecting a vision rooted in sustainability and innovation,” he said. “AWQAF Dubai’s adoption of global best practices strengthens Dubai’s leadership in the endowment sector, ensuring a lasting impact on society,” he added.
Sheikh Hamdan also praised the contributions of citizens, residents, and institutions to endowment initiatives, particularly in education, healthcare, and scientific research. He noted that AWQAF Dubai’s innovative endowment strategy enables organizations of all sizes to participate in community-focused initiatives.
His Excellency Issa Al Ghurair, chairman of the board of directors of AWQAF Dubai, stated that the figures highlight the success of efforts to promote the concept of endowments in society. “The increase in endowment assets highlights growing confidence in our approach, which prioritizes innovation and sustainability to ensure long-term impact across generations,” he said.
“We are committed to enhancing the role of endowments in supporting various community sectors, contributing to comprehensive development, and fostering social solidarity,” he said.
