The Gulf region’s philanthropic renaissance: A call for strategic giving

Philanthropy across Asia is undergoing a profound transformation, as high-growth economies take on a more strategic role in addressing social and environmental challenges.
While traditional giving, rooted in religious and cultural values, has long been a pillar of our societies, a new wave of philanthropists is adopting an approach that prioritizes long-term, systemic change over short-term relief.
At the heart of this shift is the recognition that wealth alone does not create sustainable impact. Increasingly, business leaders-turned-philanthropists are applying the same principles that drive their corporate successes to their giving.
Setting clear objectives, measuring outcomes, and fostering collaboration have become hallmarks of a more strategic philanthropic model. This is essential in tackling complex global issues such as inequality, climate change, and public health, which demand coordinated, data-driven solutions rather than sporadic acts of generosity.
A crucial component of this transformation is collaboration. Asian societies, deeply rooted in trust and relationship-building, provide a strong foundation for multi-stakeholder partnerships. Whether through family foundations, corporate-giving programs, or regional alliances such as the Philanthropy Asia Alliance, cooperation is enhancing effectiveness and ensuring that philanthropy is more responsive to the communities it serves.
However, a key challenge remains: the lack of enabling infrastructure to facilitate large-scale, coordinated giving. While some Asian nations have well-established philanthropic institutions, many are still developing regulatory frameworks and incentive structures.
Within this broader Asian landscape, the Middle East has long stood out for its deep philanthropic traditions. Islamic giving practices, such as Zakat and Sadaqah, generate between $400 billion and $1 trillion annually, making Islamic philanthropy one of the world’s largest sources of charitable funding.
Giving from within the Gulf Cooperation Council area alone contributes an estimated $210 billion each year. Much of this giving has historically been ad hoc and reactive, focused on immediate relief rather than long-term solutions.
A new generation of Gulf philanthropists is reshaping this landscape by adopting structured, strategic giving models. This shift is driven not only by the accumulation of wealth but also by a growing recognition that philanthropy must address root causes rather than symptoms. Increasingly, Gulf-based initiatives are investing in education, healthcare, technology, and climate solutions, marking a transition from traditional charity to high-impact social investment.

Technology is playing a crucial role in this evolution. Digital platforms are making philanthropy more transparent and efficient, enabling donors to track the real-time impact of their contributions. Crowdfunding, mobile giving and blockchain-based transparency tools are reshaping how funds are distributed and managed.
As Princess Lamia bint Majed of Alwaleed Philanthropies noted: “Technology makes philanthropy much easier. Helping people, reaching out and creating awareness — it’s not what we used to do before. And it gives you a wider perspective.”
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a leader in strategic philanthropy. As the Kingdom undergoes a bold transformation under Vision 2030, philanthropy is increasingly being recognized as a driver of social and economic progress. Saudi philanthropists are leveraging their resources to support education, scientific research, and innovation, sectors that promise long-term societal benefits.X◊F        

Now is the time to build a legacy of impact, one that extends beyond generosity to create enduring solutions for future generations.

Badr Jafar

Structured philanthropy is also gaining traction, with a growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making. Fady Jameel, vice chairman of Community Jameel, has underscored the importance of evidence-based philanthropy: “Our philosophy is supporting a culture of evidence-based policy and building a research ecosystem. Everything we do is based on that philosophy of evidence.” This approach ensures that philanthropic investments yield measurable, lasting impact.
Moreover, there is a growing recognition that philanthropy can serve as risk capital by funding experimental, high-impact solutions that governments or businesses might be unable to take on. This mindset shift is fostering a more entrepreneurial approach to giving, in which philanthropy is seen as a tool for driving innovation and systemic change.
These themes are central to my recently published book, “The Business of Philanthropy,” which explores how present-day philanthropists, in the Gulf region and beyond, are evolving their approaches to maximize impact. Drawing from in-depth conversations with more than 50 global leaders in business, philanthropy, and social enterprise, the book provides insights into the diverse ways in which capital is being leveraged to tackle urgent social challenges.
At its core, “The Business of Philanthropy” is an invitation to think bigger about the role of giving. It highlights how a strategic, collaborative approach — one that blends business acumen with social purpose — can drive transformative change.
The book examines case studies from the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, showcasing the ways in which philanthropists are moving beyond charity to build sustainable, scalable solutions. It also underscores the importance of integrating technology, innovative financing models, and cross-sector partnerships to ensure that resources generate lasting impact.
With an estimated $70-90 trillion in global wealth set to be transferred to millennials and Gen X in the coming decades, including $26 trillion across Asia and Africa alone, the Gulf region has a unique opportunity to shape the future of philanthropy.
The next generation of philanthropists is expected to be more proactive, strategic and impact-focused than ever before. Bill Gates observed this shift in mindset, noting: “Many of these young people feel they don’t need to wait until they retire to start giving. They see today’s challenges and want to start tackling them immediately. They also are very collaborative, and we need more of that in philanthropy.”
My own journey in philanthropy has been guided by this principle of investing for long-term social impact, and building systems that advance strategic giving. From fostering entrepreneurship, education, and the arts to championing corporate governance, I have seen firsthand how strategic philanthropy can transform lives and communities.
Throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside visionary leaders across the humanitarian and development sectors, learning from them, collaborating with them and continually refining my approach to giving.
For those interested in learning more about these powerful stories and the strategies shaping modern philanthropy, “The Business of Philanthropy” offers a road map for action. The Gulf region is at an inflection point, with an unprecedented opportunity to drive meaningful, sustainable change on a global scale.
Now is the time to build a legacy of impact, one that extends beyond generosity to create enduring solutions for future generations.

• Badr Jafar is an Emirati businessman, social entrepreneur and the UAE special envoy for business and philanthropy.