Dubai Endowment Assets Hit AED13.5B in 2025, Up 22%

The Endowment and Minors’ Trust Foundation (Awqaf Dubai) has announced that the total value of endowment assets in Dubai reached AED13.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a 22% increase compared to AED11.1 billion in 2024.

According to the Dubai Endowment Assets Report 2025, the emirate recorded 1,294 endowments established by 604 endowers, highlighting growing community awareness about the importance of endowment initiatives and their role in supporting sustainable development.

Leadership Highlights Growth of Endowment Sector

Commenting on the report, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the emirate’s endowment system has become a leading model for institutional charitable work.

He noted that the system operates under the vision of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative aims to strengthen a culture of sustainable giving while maximizing social and economic impact to support overall development and improve quality of life.

Sheikh Hamdan praised the continued growth of the endowment sector and highlighted the role of Awqaf Dubai in strengthening contributions from endowers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of endowment projects. He also acknowledged the support of citizens, residents, and institutions that contribute to these initiatives for the benefit of future generations.

Innovative Endowment Initiatives

The Crown Prince also emphasized that Awqaf Dubai continues to introduce innovative endowment initiatives that are among the first of their kind globally. These projects provide new opportunities for individuals and institutions to participate in community development and support initiatives that address social needs.

Such initiatives further strengthen the role of endowments as a sustainable driver of economic and social development, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovative endowment practices.

Distribution of Endowment Assets

The report revealed that endowment assets in Dubai are divided into:

• Real estate assets: AED12 billion

• Financial assets: AED1.5 billion

This distribution reflects the diversification of endowment portfolios and their ability to maintain sustainability while maximizing returns to support charitable objectives.

Contributions by Individuals and Institutions

The report also highlighted contributions from different groups:

• Endowments established by men: AED7.9 billion

• Endowments established by women: AED1.3 billion

• Institutional endowments: AED4.3 billion

Governance and Management of Endowments

In terms of governance, endowments in Dubai are categorized into two groups:

• 714 endowments managed under the supervision of Awqaf Dubai, valued at AED2.9 billion

• 580 endowments managed by third parties, with a total value of AED9.6 billion

Officials Highlight Sector Growth

Issa Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Awqaf Dubai, said the growth in endowment assets reflects the success of the foundation’s policies and strategies aimed at developing the sector and improving efficiency and sustainability.

He added that Awqaf Dubai continues to develop endowment assets according to best practices in governance and sustainable investment, ensuring their protection while maximizing their social impact.

Meanwhile, Ali Al Mutawa said the results achieved in 2025 demonstrate the strength of the foundation’s operational and investment frameworks.

He noted that the organization is committed to managing and developing endowment assets with high standards of governance and transparency, ensuring long-term sustainability and maximizing their developmental impact.

Awqaf Dubai continues to focus on strengthening the role of endowments in supporting community development and promoting sustainable charitable initiatives across the emirate.