Dubai’s philanthropic landscape received a major boost as Emirati businessman and former diplomat Hamad bin Ahmed bin Salem Al Hajri donated seven buildings across the city, with an estimated total value of AED 110 million ($29.7 million), one of the largest real estate endowments this year. The donation was registered with the Dubai Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai), reflecting the continued growth of charitable endowments in the emirate.
A landmark real estate contribution
The seven properties as Khaleej Times, span several key areas in Dubai, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens, Al Hebiah Fourth, and Al Murraqad, each officially registered with property numbers. This diversity underscores the sustainability and long-term returns of such endowments, which are managed to support social and humanitarian projects. Awqaf Dubai oversees endowment assets valued at AED 11.1 billion ($2.997 billion), comprising 1,043 endowments from 578 donors. The foundation’s portfolio includes real estate, investment shares, and charitable funds, reflecting a commitment to generating sustainable income for public benefit.
Understanding Waqf and social impact
A Waqf is an Islamic charitable endowment where assets are permanently dedicated to public or family benefit. In Dubai, these endowments support education, healthcare, mosque affairs, and low-income families, with profits reinvested to fund ongoing projects. Awqaf Dubai actively manages these trusts, ensuring Sharia compliance, transparency, and steady returns. For instance, in 2025, the foundation approved AED 35.7 million ($9.64 million) in dividends for minors, marking a 16% growth from previous years. The foundation also completed real estate endowment projects worth over AED 23 million ($6.21 million) in the first half of 2025 alone. The foundation has strengthened partnerships to maximize social impact, particularly through real estate investments, generating sustainable income for community welfare. It also promotes awareness of charitable giving among students and residents, encouraging participation in endowment programs.
Golden Visa incentives for humanitarian donors
The UAE has extended its Golden Visa programme to include donors supporting Islamic charitable endowments, or Waqf. Introduced in 2019, the Golden Visa offers 10-year renewable residency to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and professionals in high-value sectors. Under the new category announced at GITEX Global 2025, donors contributing a minimum of AED 2 million ($540,000) to certified Waqf or humanitarian projects, and nominated by Awqaf Dubai or an authorized organization, are eligible for residency under the category of “financial supporters of humanitarian work.” This move incentivizes high-value philanthropic contributions and aligns with Dubai’s vision of sustainable community development.
