The Endowment & Society Conference concluded on Monday after two days of activities, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The event took place at Erth Hotel in Abu Dhabi and was organized by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat.

According to GulfToday, during the conference, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, emphasized that the conference’s theme aligns with the ‘Year of the Community.’ He stated, “Under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we seek to mobilise all efforts and resources while fostering collaboration between individuals and societal institutions to cultivate a national environment that drives sustainable development, promotes responsibility, and advances the nation’s progress.”

Sheikh Nahyan expressed appreciation for the presence of esteemed guests, indicating that it reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in fostering unity and productive collaboration among individuals and institutions. He noted that the conference theme also relates to the ‘Father’s Endowment’ initiative, established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, which honors parents through Islamic teachings.

“The UAE is now a model to be emulated in the fields of endowments and charitable work,” Sheikh Nahyan declared. He acknowledged the nation’s commitment to humanitarian giving and social solidarity, principles firmly established by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He further highlighted the importance of individuals and societal institutions actively participating in the nation’s progress under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa and Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, remarked on the significance of endowments in Islamic Sharia, stating they strengthen cooperation among society members and assist those in need. He explained that endowments serve as reserves for future generations and provide ongoing charity for donors, emphasizing the principle of sustainable benefit associated with them.

Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, affirmed that endowments serve as a lifeline for society, meeting the needs of its members, regardless of their faith.

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak and other dignitaries also toured the Endowment Exhibition, which showcased the history and development of endowments in the UAE through illustrated galleries and digital platforms. The exhibition highlighted the evolution of endowments and the laws governing them throughout UAE history.

The conference was attended by notable figures, including Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, and Dr. Sultan Bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, along with distinguished scholars and officials from endowment institutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.