Awqaf Authority Launches Digital Experience at LEAP 2026

The General Authority for Awqaf launched an integrated digital experience for a range of endowment products during its participation at LEAP 2026, held at the Saudi Digital stage in Riyadh. Announced on September 3, 2026, the new platform consolidates services, regulations, data, and information for each endowment product into a single, unified access point, aiming to simplify user journeys, improve the beneficiary experience, and enhance clarity and transparency across the endowment sector.

Context and Background

The launch took place at LEAP 2026, a premier global technology event hosted in Saudi Arabia that underscores the Kingdom’s growing role as a digital innovation hub. The General Authority for Awqaf, responsible for regulating and developing the endowment sector, used the Saudi Digital stage to present this initiative, highlighting its commitment to leveraging technology for sectoral modernization. Endowments, known as waqf, are a longstanding Islamic tradition of charitable giving that supports social welfare, education, and community development. By digitizing access to endowment products, the authority seeks to make these centuries-old practices more accessible and efficient for modern beneficiaries.

Key Details

The digital experience encompasses several key endowment products. These include endowment investment funds, which allow contributors to grow their endowments through Sharia-compliant investments; managed endowment investment portfolios, offering professional management of endowment assets; the Endowment Registry, a centralized database for tracking endowments; endowment financing through fundraising, which facilitates collective funding for endowment projects; unidentified endowments that require special handling; endowments under the authority’s supervision; and support and empowerment of endowment entities, which provides resources for organizations managing endowments. The platform integrates the entire beneficiary journey—from initial inquiry to ongoing management—along with related services, regulations, data, and knowledge content, all accessible through a single portal. This consolidation reduces fragmentation and ensures that users can navigate the system with ease.

Implications and Impact

This initiative is expected to significantly enhance transparency and trust in the endowment sector, both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. For non-Saudi audiences, it demonstrates how the Kingdom is blending tradition with technology to modernize charitable giving. The platform could serve as a model for other countries seeking to digitize their endowment systems. Moreover, by streamlining access to endowment products, the authority aims to attract more contributions, thereby increasing the financial resources available for social and economic development projects. This aligns with global trends toward digital governance and financial inclusion.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The digital experience directly supports Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and enhance quality of life. By fostering a more efficient and transparent endowment sector, the initiative contributes to the growth of the non-profit sector, a key pillar of Vision 2030. It also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in digital transformation, showcasing how technology can be harnessed to serve social good. As the Kingdom continues to modernize, innovations like this platform will play a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals and strengthening the nation’s global standing.

20 Questions

Q1. What did the General Authority for Awqaf launch at LEAP 2026?

A1. The General Authority for Awqaf launched an integrated digital experience for a number of endowment products, consolidating services, regulations, data, and information into a unified platform accessible through a single point.

Q2. Where was the launch announced?

A2. The launch was announced during LEAP 2026 at the Saudi Digital stage in Riyadh, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency on September 3, 2026.

Q3. What is the main purpose of this digital experience?

A3. The main purpose is to facilitate access to endowment products, improve the beneficiary experience, and enhance clarity and transparency in the endowment sector, thereby making it easier for users to navigate services.

Q4. Which endowment products are included in the digital experience?

A4. The products include endowment investment funds, managed endowment investment portfolios, the Endowment Registry, endowment financing through fundraising, unidentified endowments, endowments under the authority’s supervision, and support and empowerment of endowment entities.

Q5. How does the platform bring the beneficiary journey together?

A5. The platform brings the beneficiary journey together with related services, regulations, data, and knowledge content through a single access point, ensuring a seamless and integrated user experience.

Q6. What is LEAP 2026?

A6. LEAP 2026 is a major global technology event hosted in Saudi Arabia, attracting innovators and leaders to showcase advancements in digital transformation and emerging technologies.

Q7. What are endowment investment funds?

A7. Endowment investment funds are Sharia-compliant investment vehicles that allow contributors to grow their endowments through professional management and diversified portfolios.

Q8. What is the Endowment Registry?

A8. The Endowment Registry is a centralized database that tracks and records endowments, ensuring proper documentation and oversight for transparency and regulatory compliance.

Q9. What is meant by unidentified endowments?

A9. Unidentified endowments are those whose donors or specific purposes are unknown, requiring special handling by the authority to ensure they are managed appropriately according to regulations.

Q10. How does the platform enhance transparency?

A10. The platform enhances transparency by providing clear, centralized access to regulations, data, and information for each endowment product, reducing ambiguity and building trust among beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Q11. Who benefits from this digital experience?

A11. Beneficiaries include endowment donors, managers, entities under supervision, and the general public interested in endowment services, all of whom can access information and services more efficiently.

Q12. What is the role of the General Authority for Awqaf?

A12. The General Authority for Awqaf regulates and develops the endowment sector in Saudi Arabia, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting the growth and sustainability of endowments.

Q13. How does this initiative support Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030 by modernizing the non-profit sector, enhancing digital transformation, and improving quality of life, all of which are key objectives of the Kingdom’s long-term plan.

Q14. What are managed endowment investment portfolios?

A14. These are professionally managed portfolios that invest endowment assets in accordance with Sharia principles, aiming to preserve capital and generate returns for charitable purposes.

Q15. What is endowment financing through fundraising?

A15. It is a mechanism that allows collective funding for endowment projects, enabling multiple contributors to pool resources for charitable and developmental initiatives.

Q16. How does the platform improve the beneficiary experience?

A16. By integrating all services and information into one platform, it simplifies navigation, reduces time spent searching for information, and provides a user-friendly interface for all endowment-related needs.

Q17. What types of endowments are under the authority’s supervision?

A17. Endowments under the authority’s supervision include those that require regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with legal and Sharia requirements, as well as those established for specific public benefit.

Q18. What is the significance of launching at LEAP 2026?

A18. Launching at LEAP 2026 highlights the authority’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation, showcasing the initiative to a global audience and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in technology.

Q19. How can users access the digital experience?

A19. Users can access the digital experience through a single online platform provided by the General Authority for Awqaf, which consolidates all endowment products and related information.

Q20. What impact will this have on the endowment sector?

A20. It is expected to increase efficiency, attract more contributions, and enhance trust, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and effective endowment sector that contributes to social and economic development.

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