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.
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.
Across the Gulf and wider Arab world, women leaders continue to reshape philanthropy on a regional and global scale:
These examples highlight a consistent truth: Arab women philanthropists have combined empathy with strategy, creating long-lasting systemic change.
Today, Saudi women are not only participants in philanthropy—they are visible leaders driving transformative change. Prominent figures include:
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.
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:
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.
