The Pearl Initiative convened the “Gulf Philanthropy Forum 2026” in Abu Dhabi last week under the theme “Governing for Good: Philanthropy with Purpose, Accountability and Impact”.
The Forum marked the first day of a three-day Impact Journey, running from 15 to 17 October, bringing together senior leaders from the philanthropic, family office, business and public sectors across the Gulf region
Hosted by the Pearl Initiative’s Governance in Philanthropy Programme, with support from the Gates Foundation, the Forum explored how governance can strengthen philanthropy’s direction, accountability and impact, while helping families advance structured, sustainable giving across generations in response to the region’s evolving priorities
These themes were reflected in the keynote address by H.E. Abdulla Ali Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Family and Child Sector, who spoke about the importance of strengthening families, preserving values across generations and creating the structures needed to support continuity and cohesion
H.E. Abdulla Ali Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Family and Child Sector at the Ministry of Family, said: “The UAE has firmly established its position as a leading model in charitable and humanitarian action, with the support of its wise leadership, which has fostered a culture of community initiative and solidarity and promoted corporate social responsibility initiatives. These efforts have reinforced giving as a core societal value and an active practice, both domestically and internationally.”
He described the Forum as a platform for families, philanthropic institutions, family offices, businesses and government to strengthen the philanthropy ecosystem and advance sustainable impact. He also underscored the role of families in fostering responsibility, solidarity and generosity, and the value of governance in helping families make giving more deliberate and accountable while preserving shared values and cohesion across generations
These principles were reflected in the perspective of Mashael Farouk Almoayyed, Director and CEO of Almoayyed International Group, who spoke about translating a family legacy of generosity into more structured and accountable giving. Mrs. Almoayyed said
“When family-business profits fund philanthropy, responsibility extends beyond allocation: building on a legacy of generosity to create meaningful, lasting impact. At the Yousif & Aysha Almoayyed Charitable Foundation, we align inherited values with clear priorities, thoughtful governance and long-term sustainable giving. At Pearl Initiative’s Gulf Philanthropy Forum, we discussed advancing the legacy through strategic, structured and accountable giving”
Beyond family giving, the Forum explored how philanthropy can complement national development priorities. Participants discussed how collaboration among philanthropic organisations, businesses and government can align giving with longer-term social outcomes, and how stronger governance can help businesses take a more strategic approach to corporate philanthropy. They also considered how moving beyond one-off contributions, with decisions informed by long-term needs, organisational capacity and evidence, can strengthen organisations and support sustainable impact
The importance of partnership in advancing effective philanthropy was also reflected in the remarks of Jennifer Alcorn, Deputy Director, Global Partnerships Development at the Gates Foundation. She said: “Lasting progress depends not only on the resources we bring to philanthropy, but on how effectively we put them to use. Our longstanding partnership with the Pearl Initiative reflects this shared commitment to enhancing the impact and effectiveness of the philanthropic and non-profit sector across the Gulf region. The Gulf Philanthropy Forum is one example of this collaboration in action, bringing leaders together to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and advance more effective giving to deliver lasting benefits for communities.”
The discussions reinforced the role of organisational governance in translating philanthropic purpose into accountable action and lasting impact
The Gulf Philanthropy Forum forms part of the Pearl Initiative’s wider Governance in Philanthropy Programme, supported by the Gates Foundation. The programme supports families, foundations, corporate givers and philanthropic institutions across the Gulf through research, resources and convenings to strengthen strategic and accountable giving
