Riyadh governor attends General Authority for Awqaf event at close of 2026 endowment sector forum

Riyadh Governor Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz attended the General Authority for Awqaf’s ceremony this evening, marking the conclusion of the 2026 Periodic Endowment Sector Forum. The event was attended by officials, specialists, representatives from government agencies, the private and non-profit sectors, and stakeholders from the endowment sector.

Upon his arrival at the Sofitel Hotel in Riyadh, the governor was received by Emad bin Saleh Al-Kharashi, Governor of the General Authority for Awqaf, along with several senior officials from the authority.

The governor toured the accompanying exhibition, which featured several pavilions where participants showcased their experiences and leading practices in endowment sustainability, growth, and asset investment.

In a press statement, the governor highlighted the significant care and ongoing support the endowment sector receives from King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting that this backing has strengthened the sector’s role in serving society and achieving sustainable development.

He said: “Endowments are a fundamental pillar of our society, rooted in values of giving, solidarity, and benevolence. Our wise leadership has given this sector great attention, recognizing its role in community development, maximizing its economic and social impact, and ensuring its benefits for future generations.”

He added that the ongoing development of the endowment sector’s regulatory and investment frameworks, along with enhanced governance, efficiency, and sustainability, aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to empower the non-profit sector and expand its contribution to national development.

The governor emphasized the importance of the annual forum in strengthening collaboration among endowment sector entities, exchanging expertise, building effective partnerships, and leveraging unique opportunities and initiatives that contribute to the growth and impact of endowments, in line with the leadership’s aspirations and for the benefit of the nation and society.

He prayed for the continued safety, stability, and prosperity of the Kingdom, and for the success of efforts to develop the endowment sector and ensure its lasting impact and benefits.

Following the national anthem, the ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, after which the governor and attendees viewed a video presentation about the forum and the authority’s efforts in the endowment sector.

Dr. Saad bin Turki Al-Khathlan, head of the authority’s Sharia Committee, then delivered a speech thanking the governor for his patronage and presence at the closing ceremony. He stressed that the governor’s support reflects the state’s commitment to the public interest and to advancing endowment work.

He noted that endowments, as a longstanding institution in Islamic civilization, have historically contributed to social solidarity and the public good. He highlighted the legitimacy of diverse endowment models and the importance of developing their tools, emphasizing the need for Sharia compliance, sound governance, and effective management to achieve endowment objectives.

Emad bin Saleh Al-Kharashi, Governor of the General Authority for Awqaf, also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to Governor Faisal bin Bandar for his patronage and presence. He affirmed that the governor’s support reflects the leadership’s interest in endowments and endowers, and in safeguarding both public and private interests of citizens.

He added that the endowment sector enjoys generous attention from the leadership, which has contributed to its development, improved governance, and sustainability. He noted that the next phase will focus on maximizing the value and impact of endowments, shifting from merely preserving assets to their growth and sustainability, and moving from isolated initiatives to broad national partnerships.

The governor then launched 12 initiatives aimed at developing the endowment sector, enhancing governance and sustainability, supporting endowers and trustees, and improving operational efficiency. Key initiatives include the Endowment Services Center, the General Authority for Awqaf app, the Empowering Endowers Platform, the Endowment Achievement Observatory, initiatives to increase women’s participation in endowments, the first student endowment club, and the inheritance of endowment industry, among others designed to boost sector efficiency and developmental impact.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Governor Faisal bin Bandar honored the General Authority for Awqaf’s partners, known as “Impact Partners,” for their contributions to the sector’s growth and impact, and commemorative photos were taken.

The forum included several panel discussions addressing key issues and trends in the development of the endowment sector. The opening session focused on the integrated framework for government agencies in empowering endowments, followed by sessions on leading practices in endowment sustainability and impact. Additionally, 22 agreements were signed between endowment sector entities and related organizations to strengthen collaboration, partnerships, and the exchange of expertise.