Endowment & Society Conference Concludes in Abu Dhabi Under Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The Endowment & Society Conference concluded today after two days of insightful discussions and activities. The event, held at Erth Hotel, Abu Dhabi, was organized by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
In his address to the conference, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, highlighted the relevance of the conference’s theme to the ‘Year of the Community.’ He stated, “Under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we seek to mobilize all efforts and resources while fostering collaboration between individuals and societal institutions to cultivate a national environment that drives sustainable development, promotes responsibility, and advances the nation’s progress.”
Sheikh Nahyan also extended his gratitude to the esteemed guests of the UAE President, remarking, “Your presence among us at this conference is a sincere reflection of the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in achieving unity of thought and productive collaboration among individuals and institutions of the nation.”
Furthermore, Sheikh Nahyan praised the ‘Father’s Endowment’ initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, which embodies Islamic values in honoring parents. He underscored the UAE’s exemplary role in endowments and charitable work, a legacy rooted in the principles of humanitarian giving and social solidarity established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Shaikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa and Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, emphasized the profound role of endowments in Islamic Sharia. He noted that endowments reinforce social cooperation, ensure care for those in need, and serve as a lasting source of benefit for future generations.
“This embodies the principle of sustainable benefit, as a defining characteristic of endowments is the enduring nature of the endowed asset and the continuous allocation of its proceeds to charitable causes designated by the donor,” he stated.
Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat, reiterated the fundamental purpose of endowments in society. “Endowments serve as a lifeline for communities, providing essential support to all members of society, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims,” he affirmed.
As part of the conference, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak and distinguished dignitaries toured the accompanying Endowment Exhibition, which showcased the history of endowments in the UAE. The exhibition featured illustrated galleries and digital platforms that traced the evolution of endowments and the regulatory frameworks that govern them.
The conference saw the participation of numerous esteemed figures, including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan; Shaikh Abdullah bin Bayyah; Dr. Omar Habtoor Al-Darei; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; prominent scholars who were guests of His Highness the UAE President; officials from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) endowment institutions; and experts in endowment affairs in the UAE.
