–Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali Highlights the Role of Research in Enhancing the Culture and Sustainability of Endowments

Under the theme, Hand-in-Hand Towards Sustainable Endowment Development, TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the Endowments and Community Development: National Leadership and Forward-looking Vision conference, which was held over two days at Erth Hotel in Abu Dhabi organized by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat.

A Historical Legacy and a Sustainable Tool

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, delivered a presentation at the conference titled The Role of Research Institutions in Enriching the Culture of Endowments in Society. He emphasized that the endowment system is one of the fundamental social structures in Arab and Islamic societies, historically serving as an essential mainstay for supporting charitable projects and promoting social solidarity.

He explained that the modern concept of endowments intersects with other terms, such as donation, charitable foundation, and non-profit organization, reflecting the sector’s legal, economic, and administrative evolution. Dr. Al-Ali also highlighted the significant role of endowments in funding social, economic, and cultural projects, contributing to sustainable development by investing endowment assets innovatively for society’s benefit.

A Leading Role

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali highlighted the UAE’s pioneering experience in the field of endowments, emphasizing its numerous initiatives, platforms, and funds that serve as a model for others to follow.

Research Institutions and Endowments

Dr. Al-Ali underscored the pivotal role of research institutions in enriching the culture of endowments through several key areas, including:

* Conducting specialized studies on jurisprudential rulings, legislation, and challenges facing endowments.

* Analyzing endowment policies and proposing legislative amendments to enhance their role in sustainable development.

* Developing investment strategies for endowments in line with the latest global standards.

* Organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops to raise awareness and promote the culture of endowments among individuals and institutions.

* Utilizing modern technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, to enhance transparency in endowment management.

Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Al-Ali also addressed the key challenges research institutions face in supporting the endowment sector in his presentation. He proposed solutions such as:

* Establishing unified endowment databases to ensure transparency and ease of access to information.

* Strengthening partnerships between research institutions and endowment entities to implement research recommendations effectively.

* Developing new endowment financing mechanisms, such as endowment sukuk (Islamic bonds) and endowment investment funds.

* Adopting digital solutions in endowment management to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Promoting the Culture of Endowments

Dr. Al-Ali concluded his presentation by stressing the importance of reinforcing the culture of endowments, updating legislation, and leveraging technology and innovation in endowment management. He emphasized the crucial role of research institutions in providing insights that drive effective and sustainable strategies in this field and called for enhanced collaboration among institutions.

On the sidelines of the conference, the TRENDS Research & Advisory delegation met with several prominent attendees and participants, engaging in discussions on key conference topics and the latest developments in research and advisory fields.

The delegation also presented a selection of the Center’s latest publications.