The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is internationally recognized as a leading humanitarian donor, with its philanthropic sector closely intertwined with the country’s foreign aid architecture. While this global orientation has been documented, it has also shaped the dominant narrative through which UAE philanthropy is understood. One that often foregrounds cross-border giving and that, in turn, makes philanthropic activity within national borders less analytically visible. This policy paper addresses this imbalance by examining the role of community-focused philanthropic foundations in the UAE and their societal contributions.
Recommended citation: Della Giovampaola, C. (2025). The Role of UAE Institutional Philanthropy in Driving Development at Home (Policy Paper No. 90). Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.
