Emirati Women Lead Endowment Growth at Waqifaat Forum

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Under the support of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Awqaf Dubai (Endowment and Minors’ Trust Foundation) organized the Waqifaat Forum at the Zabeel Ladies Club in Dubai.

The event focused on the growing role of Emirati women in charitable giving, especially in supporting endowments (Waqf), which are long-term donations made to benefit the community. The forum honored several women for their generous contributions to society.

Top officials attended the event, including Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, and Her Excellency Hamda Ibrahim Qattami, Board Member of Awqaf Dubai. During the event, a documentary called “Growth of Waqf Through Women’s Giving” was shown. It highlighted how Emirati women are making a real difference through charity and development work.

In her speech, Hessa Buhumaid said the forum is special because it recognizes the important humanitarian work of Emirati women. She explained that Waqf (endowment) is one of the highest forms of charity and shows deep belief in social responsibility. She also praised Sheikha Hind’s support, saying it honors every woman who gives back to the community.

Buhumaid added that the CDA’s “Jood” platform, which helps people make charitable contributions, supports Dubai’s Social Agenda 33. This agenda aims to improve people’s lives and make society more stable and united.

Hamda Qattami also spoke about the importance of female participation in charity work. She said the UAE’s leaders have always focused on growing the endowment sector to support health, education, humanitarian work, and community development. She proudly stated that Emirati women are not just supporters—they are shaping the future of endowment in the country.

Naeema Tannaf Mubarak, Head of Endowment Attraction and Development at Awqaf Dubai, shared that 149 Emirati women have created 207 endowments worth more than AED 1.3 billion. These donations go toward helping mosques, orphans, people of determination, education, healthcare, clean water, Hajj trips, and more.

A new charitable project called “Smile of Childhood” was also announced at the forum. This project will help support children from low-income families.

The Waqifaat Forum is a true celebration of the strong role that Emirati women play in charity and community building, showing that they are powerful partners in the UAE’s journey of giving and development.