Abu Dhabi launches “Awqaf Capital” in “Financial Week”

Abu Dhabi Endowments today announced the launch of “Awqaf Capital”, a strategic initiative that represents a milestone in the financial landscape in Abu Dhabi and strengthens the emirate’s position as the “capital of capital.”

This came during a speech delivered by Fahd Abdul Qadir Al Qasim, Director General of the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Management Authority (Abu Dhabi Endowments), at the third session of Abu Dhabi Financial Week, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Chairman of the Executive Council.

Fahd Al Qassim said: “Today’s launch of ‘Awqaf Capital’ embodies our commitment to innovation in the financial markets and our dedication to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a capital and investment capital.”

He added: “This strategic initiative not only strengthens our position in the global capital markets, but also presents an innovative approach to institutional investment that combines financial excellence with sustainable impact.”

“Awqaf Capital” will operate as a primary institution within Abu Dhabi’s financial system, and its mission will be to deploy capital in various asset classes, taking advantage of Abu Dhabi’s unique position as a bridge between global markets.
Al-Qassim cited global examples showing how leading educational institutions were able to achieve amazing financial success thanks to their investment in endowments.
He explained that university endowments in the United States of America exceeded 691 billion US dollars in the fiscal year 2021, with the endowments of Harvard University alone amounting to 53 billion US dollars, and generating about two billion US dollars annually.

He continued: “These endowment funds are not just financial safety nets, but rather are engines of growth that continually fund research, infrastructure, and community development.”
Al-Qassim stressed, “Throughout history, endowments have been one of the most flexible financial systems in both the public and private sectors, and we should focus on them, especially in the health and education sectors.”


The Director General of Abu Dhabi Endowments added that the global impact investment market exceeded one trillion US dollars in 2022, and is expected to grow at a double-digit compound annual rate until 2030, with Endowments playing a pivotal role in this growth.

He stressed that Awqaf Capital enjoys a strategic position that qualifies it to benefit from this growth while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a capital capital.
Al Qassim explained, “Through Awqaf Capital, we will work to open new paths to employ capital to benefit investors and the economy as a whole. We will rely on our investment strategy that reflects the dynamism of Abu Dhabi’s economy, which is flexible, looks to the future, and achieves sustainable prosperity.”


Awqaf Capital’s investment strategy is based on strategic integration in the market across diverse asset classes, innovation in deploying capital in line with market needs, as well as creating sustainable value through global best practices, with a strong focus on sectors that lead the economy of the future.

Al-Qassim stressed that investing in endowment assets belonging to the Abu Dhabi Endowments not only guarantees strong financial returns, but also contributes to creating a tangible societal impact, stressing the benefits that accrue to companies as a result of investing in projects that enhance economic growth and social impact, in addition to benefiting from “The stable, long-term returns that endowment assets continually provide.”

Abu Dhabi Endowments was established in 2023 at the direction of the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and seeks to transform the management of endowments and wealth into a catalyst for social well-being, economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.

Abu Dhabi Endowments manages a broad portfolio of assets, including a strong portfolio of income-generating assets, and adheres to the highest standards of wealth management. It also develops programs aimed at supporting the endowment’s beneficiaries through scholarships, healthcare services, social welfare initiatives, and others.