Philanthropy in the Middle East: From Generosity to Systems Change

By Roberta Calarese

Philanthropy in the Middle East is undergoing a powerful evolution.

For generations, giving in this region has been anchored in zakat, sadaqah, and waqf—expressions of moral and spiritual duty. But today’s world demands more than generosity. It demands purposeful disruption. A move from compassion to transformation. From relief to systems change.

“The purpose of philanthropy is not to soothe the system. It is to redesign it.”

From Band-Aids to Blueprints

Traditional philanthropy often feels like triage: a donation, a scholarship, a food parcel. Necessary, yes—but insufficient. These acts do not shift the underlying dynamics of inequality, exclusion, or environmental decline.

We can no longer afford to patch broken systems. We must reimagine them entirely.

Systems change philanthropy is a radical departure. It seeks to alter the very rules, relationships, and power structures that create persistent problems. It is long-term, political, collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious.

And in the Middle East, this shift is already unfolding.

Middle East Philanthropy Driving Systemic Impact

KSA: Alwaleed Philanthropies – Influence with Intent

Alwaleed Philanthropies is pushing beyond legacy giving toward policy-shaping and perception-shifting philanthropy. From advancing women’s empowerment to sustainable cities and public health, it funds not only interventions—but the systems and narratives behind them.

Their approach includes long-term partnerships with the UN, support for social innovation, and initiatives that change laws, not just lives.

“We don’t just give. We partner to unlock potential and build ecosystems of change.”

UAE: Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation – A New Vision for Education

One of the largest philanthropic efforts in the Arab world, AGFE is building system-wide education reform. Its Open Learning Scholars Program and digital education partnerships have broken down geographic and financial barriers, making quality education accessible to thousands.

But AGFE goes further—investing in research, policy alignment, and systems that equip Arab youth for a changing labor market.

“The purpose of philanthropy is to build pathways, not pity.”

Qatar: Education Above All – Resilience Through Education

Founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, EAA is a global force in reshaping education in fragile contexts. Through multi-sector coalitions and national policy engagement, it has reached over 10 million out-of-school children by tackling the root causes of exclusion: displacement, conflict, poverty, and gender discrimination.

This is not school-building. This is systemic access to justice through education.

“The purpose of philanthropy is to rewrite the rules of access—not just expand the gate.”

Global Models for Regional Inspiration

MacKenzie Scott – Trust as Transformation

In a world of overengineered philanthropy, MacKenzie Scott gave away $16+ billion without application forms or restrictions. She funded community organizations, BIPOC-led initiatives, rural programs—quietly, swiftly, and with trust. Her approach wasn’t about visibility. It was about power redistribution.

“The purpose of philanthropy is to transfer power, not just capital.”

This resonates deeply in the Middle East, where trust, dignity, and humility are cultural cornerstones—and where wealth can be a force for liberation, not legacy.

Co-Impact – Systems Change at Scale

Co-Impact is a global philanthropic collaborative funding large-scale systemic reform—especially in health, education, and gender equality. They work hand-in-hand with governments and local leaders to create long-term, scalable change.

Their model:

• Multi-year, unrestricted funding

• Focus on policy shifts and institutional reform

• Deep investment in systems leadership

A Region Poised to Lead

Philanthropy in the GCC and the broader Arab world stands at a pivotal frontier. With rising wealth, bold leadership, and a deep-rooted culture of giving, the region is uniquely positioned to move from generosity to transformation.

This is our moment to lead—not by mirroring legacy models from elsewhere, but by designing our own.

Imagine a regional collective of foundations and changemakers, aligning not just around charity, but around national and regional strategies—on climate resilience, youth employment, digital equity, and systems innovation.

This is not just about giving more. It is about giving with intention, coherence, and courage.

The Purpose That Guides Us

We cannot build a just and regenerative future with outdated tools and transactional thinking. It is time to challenge our assumptions and reframe the very purpose of giving in this region and beyond.

For me, the essence of this evolution is captured in one simple, enduring statement:

“The purpose of philanthropy is not to be remembered. It is to set others free.”