The Middle East encompasses diverse countries with distinct political systems, economic realities, and philanthropic traditions. From the oil-wealthy Gulf states to conflict-affected Syria, Yemen, and Iraq; from secular Lebanon to theocratic Iran; from Israel's sophisticated civil society to Palestine's constrained civic space — grantmaking in the Middle East requires deep contextual knowledge and sensitivity to complexity. Islamic philanthropy traditions — among the world's oldest and most extensive — provide an important foundation.
Zakat
Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — the obligatory giving of 2.5% of accumulated wealth annually by Muslims who meet the nisab (minimum wealth threshold). Zakat is intended for specific categories: the poor, those in debt, wayfarers, those working to collect zakat, new Muslims, those working in the cause of God, and freeing of captives.
In many Muslim-majority countries, zakat is collected and distributed by government bodies or formal zakat institutions. The scale is enormous: global zakat is estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually, though much is distributed informally through personal relationships.
Sadaqa
Sadaqa is voluntary charitable giving beyond zakat — given whenever and however the donor chooses. Sadaqa encompasses everything from small spontaneous gifts to major philanthropic commitments.
Waqf (Islamic Endowment)
Waqf is one of the world's oldest endowment traditions — the dedication of property (often real estate) for charitable purposes in perpetuity. Historically, waqf institutions funded mosques, schools, hospitals, water supplies, and other community infrastructure across the Islamic world. Modern waqf revival is an active area in Islamic finance and philanthropy.
Kafala
Kafala is the traditional practice of sponsoring an orphan — providing for their welfare. Many Islamic philanthropic institutions maintain orphan sponsorship programmes as a central function.
The Gulf states — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman — have developed significant formal philanthropic institutions alongside very large zakat and sadaqa flows:
Qatar
Qatar has become one of the world's most prominent philanthropic actors. Major institutions:
- Qatar Foundation: Chaired by Sheikha Moza; education, science, community development
- Qatar Charity: Humanitarian and development programmes globally
- Qatar Fund for Development: International development finance
UAE
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major hubs for international philanthropy:
- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives: Multiple philanthropic programmes; education, entrepreneurship, humanitarian
- Abu Dhabi Fund for Development: International development finance
- Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Foundation: Various programmes
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has both zakat institutions and royal family philanthropy:
- King Khalid Foundation: Good governance and social entrepreneurship
- King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah): Heritage
- Various royal and government-linked foundations
Kuwait
Civil society in the Middle East varies enormously:
More open contexts: Lebanon (complex but relatively open until recent crises), Jordan, Tunisia (post-Arab Spring), Morocco, Israel.
More restricted contexts: Saudi Arabia, UAE (limited political advocacy), Iran (heavily controlled), Bahrain, Egypt (significant restrictions since 2013).
Conflict-affected contexts: Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Libya — civil society operating under extremely difficult conditions; humanitarian needs overwhelming.
Palestine: Civic space constrained by occupation; significant international NGO presence but complex access and funding conditions.
Humanitarian needs: Conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Gaza, and Libya have created massive humanitarian needs. International humanitarian organisations — UNHCR, ICRC, MSF, UN agencies — manage the bulk of humanitarian response; philanthropic grants supplement official aid.
Refugee and displacement: The Middle East hosts significant numbers of refugees — Syrians in Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan; Afghans; Palestinians. Settlement and integration support is a major funding area.
Education: Access to quality education — particularly for refugee children and women in more conservative contexts — is a significant philanthropic priority.
Women's rights and empowerment: Women's rights vary dramatically across the region. In some contexts — particularly Gulf states — economic empowerment and labour market participation are opening; political rights are more restricted. In more conflict-affected areas, protection from gender-based violence is primary.
Technology and youth: The Middle East has a young, tech-savvy population. Investment in technology education, digital entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems is a growing philanthropic area.
Political sensitivities: Philanthropy in the Middle East often intersects with political realities. Funding for civil society organisations, advocacy groups, or human rights work may face regulatory restrictions or political risk. International funders must carefully assess these risks.
Partnership with local intermediaries: Working through trusted local partners with established relationships and regulatory compliance is often more effective and less risky than direct international grantmaking in the region.
Islamic philanthropy integration: International funders who understand and engage with Islamic philanthropy traditions — supporting waqf development, partnering with zakat institutions, and framing work within Islamic value frameworks — are more effective partners in Muslim-majority contexts.
Sanctions compliance: Several Middle East countries are subject to international sanctions. Grant-making in or connected to sanctioned countries requires careful legal compliance — including OFAC (US), UN, and EU sanctions list screening.
Cultural context: Business and philanthropic relationships in the Arab world are deeply relational — trust is built through personal connection, meeting face-to-face, and sustained presence. International funders who invest in genuine relationship building are more effective than those who manage grantmaking remotely.
Tahua's grants management platform supports foundations with Middle East portfolios — with multi-currency grant tracking, compliance documentation, sanctions screening workflow, and relationship management tools that help funders navigate this complex and important region.