Leading with Purpose: How Women Are Shaping the Future of Philanthropy in the Arab World

Philanthropy is often perceived simply as an act of generosity—a donation, a contribution, or a benevolent gesture. Yet, throughout history, women have redefined philanthropy as far more than charity. For them, giving has been an act of courage, leadership, and foresight. Across cultures and generations, women have leveraged philanthropy to challenge norms, establish institutions, and embed compassion into the very fabric of society.

Today, as the Arab world undergoes historic transformations—socially, culturally, and economically—women’s leadership in philanthropy is no longer confined to the background. It is visible, impactful, and future-focused, setting new benchmarks for inclusive development.

In Saudi Arabia, the philanthropic landscape is undergoing rapid growth and institutionalisation. Since 2022, the number of nonprofit entities in the Kingdom has risen by 73 percent, reflecting a dynamic ecosystem that is creating unprecedented space for innovation and leadership.

Women are at the center of this expansion. Their leadership in education, health, cultural preservation, and social welfare is not only reshaping philanthropy but also aligning it with Vision 2030, which emphasises civic participation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.

Historical Pioneers

Long before philanthropy was institutionalised, Arab women were shaping communities through acts of bold generosity and vision.

• Princess Fatima Ismail of Egypt (19th century) broke social barriers by publicly funding the establishment of Cairo University. She donated land, funds, and even her personal jewelry to support the university’s medical school, ensuring women could train as doctors for the first time.
• In Saudi Arabia, Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman, sister of King Abdulaziz, was an early symbol of women’s leadership. A respected advisor, she championed women’s health and education, opened one of Riyadh’s first dispensaries for women, and reshaped social welfare.

Their legacies endure in both institutions that bear their names and in the broader cultural shift they inspired, proving that women’s leadership in philanthropy is rooted in heritage as much as progress.

Regional Figures of Change

Across the Gulf and wider Arab world, women leaders continue to reshape philanthropy on a regional and global scale:

• Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar has built world-renowned initiatives focused on education, social development, and dignity for displaced communities.
• Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak of the UAE, often called the “Mother of the Nation”, has long been a champion for women’s rights, maternal health, and child welfare, establishing women’s role in national development.
• In Lebanon, Leila AlSolh, one of the Arab world’s first female ministers, led Alwaleed Philanthropies (Lebanon) with a focus on poverty alleviation, health, and dignity for marginalised communities.

These examples highlight a consistent truth: Arab women philanthropists have combined empathy with strategy, creating long-lasting systemic change.

Leading with Courage and Vision

Today, Saudi women are not only participants in philanthropy—they are visible leaders driving transformative change. Prominent figures include:

• HRH Princess Adila bint Abdullah, who champions women’s empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, and social welfare initiatives. Her advocacy for health awareness and legal protection for women has made her a pioneering social philanthropist.
• HRH Princess Moudi bint Khalid Al Saud, a respected voice in philanthropy, focuses on disability inclusion, social innovation, and women’s empowerment. She has guided nonprofit strategies that measure impact, blending compassion with accountability.

Both represent the emerging face of Saudi philanthropy: strategic, embedded, and deeply connected to Vision 2030’s priorities.

Vision 2030 and the Nonprofit Sector

Under Vision 2030, philanthropy is no longer seen only as charity but as a driver of sustainable development and national transformation. Women are founding and managing initiatives that tackle poverty alleviation, cultural preservation, and innovation.

The nonprofit sector has also become an important employer for women, with 61 percent of its workforce aged between 20 and 40—a demographic strongly represented by women. This signals not only women’s expanding influence but also their contribution to economic independence and civic participation.

Research consistently shows that women philanthropists bring a unique perspective to giving:

• They are 40 percent more likely than men to fund projects supporting women and children.
• They often prioritise long-term systemic change over short-term fixes.
• They approach giving through collaboration, listening, and relationship-building, ensuring impact is sustainable and rooted in community needs.

As Princess Lamia notes, “Women approach giving differently; they collaborate, they listen, and they tend to focus on long-term, systemic changes rather than short-term fixes.” This approach makes women’s leadership not only necessary but transformative. It integrates compassion with accountability, creating philanthropic systems that are inclusive, responsive, and enduring.

The expansion of women’s leadership in philanthropy across the MENA region is not a passing trend; it is a historic shift that is redefining how societies view giving, responsibility, and leadership. To realise the full potential of philanthropy in the Arab world, several priorities stand out:

• Investing in women-led initiatives that create measurable, systemic change.
• Amplifying women’s voices in policy-making and funding decisions.
• Rewriting the narrative of philanthropy to fully recognise women’s historical and contemporary contributions.

As Princess Lamia reminds us, women have always been innovators, builders, and changemakers. What is required now is sustained support, resources, and recognition to ensure their leadership continues to flourish. The future of philanthropy depends not only on scale and innovation but also on trust and shared purpose. Women worldwide—and especially across the Arab region—have demonstrated what it means to lead with these values. In Saudi Arabia, as women step into more visible and strategic roles, philanthropy is evolving into a powerful engine of national development, rooted in heritage yet boldly oriented toward the future. From Princess Fatima Ismail in 19th-century Egypt to Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman in early Saudi Arabia, from Sheikha Moza in Qatar to Sheikha Fatima in the UAE, and today’s Saudi leaders under Vision 2030, the story is clear: women have always led with purpose, and their leadership will continue to shape the future of philanthropy for generations to come.