The 12th Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Awqaf in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states convened in Manama on October 20, 2026, chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, with the participation of Assistant Secretary-General for Legislative and Legal Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani. The gathering brought together senior officials from across the Gulf to advance joint cooperation in Islamic affairs and endowments, reviewing recommendations from the 11th meeting of assistant ministers held on August 26, 2026, and setting a forward-looking agenda that spans scientific research, social impact measurement, architectural heritage, and youth engagement.
For observers of regional affairs, the meeting represents far more than a routine diplomatic calendar item. It reflects a sustained, institutionalized effort by GCC states to align their religious, charitable, and endowment sectors around shared standards of governance, transparency, and innovation. The discussions in Manama touched on practical mechanisms — from interactive seminars and a dedicated GCC Endowments Week to a proposed national index measuring the social impact of awqaf and the “Mufaz” competition designed to raise awareness of charitable and voluntary work. Each of these items speaks to a broader question: how can the region’s religious institutions remain rooted in authenticity while embracing the tools of modern administration and accountability?
Context and Background
Why has the coordination of Islamic affairs and awqaf become such a consistent priority for the Gulf Cooperation Council? The answer lies in the unique role that endowments play in the social and economic fabric of GCC member states. Awqaf — charitable endowments established under Islamic law — have historically funded mosques, schools, hospitals, and community services across the region. In the modern era, they have evolved into sophisticated financial and social instruments capable of supporting national development agendas, provided they are managed with professionalism and clear oversight.
The 12th ministerial meeting builds on a structured cycle of consultation that has matured over more than a decade. The 11th meeting of assistant ministers, held on August 26, 2026, produced a set of recommendations that the ministers reviewed in Manama, ensuring that technical work carried out at the official level receives political endorsement and strategic direction. This layered approach — technical preparation followed by ministerial decision — mirrors the broader GCC method of consensus-building, in which specialist committees draft proposals and senior officials refine them before they reach the highest levels of government.
Bahrain’s chairmanship of the current session places the Kingdom of Bahrain at the center of this effort, with Minister Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda guiding the agenda. The presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Assistant Secretary-General for Legislative and Legal Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat, underscores the institutional backing of the GCC itself, which provides continuity and a legal framework for cooperation that transcends any single presidency or annual cycle. For Saudi Arabia and its partners, this continuity is essential: it allows pilot initiatives to be tested, refined, and eventually scaled across borders.
Key Details
What exactly did the ministers place on the table in Manama? The agenda was notably practical, focusing on mechanisms that can be implemented rather than broad declarations. One central item was the exchange of scientific research and experiences in the awqaf sector through interactive seminars. These seminars are intended to allow specialists from each member state to present case studies, discuss challenges, and compare approaches to endowment management, investment, and community outreach. By institutionalizing this exchange, the GCC aims to shorten the learning curve for newer or smaller endowment authorities.
A second major item was the organization of a GCC Endowments Week, a collective initiative designed to raise public awareness of the role that awqaf play in social welfare and economic development. Such a week would likely feature media campaigns, community events, and educational programs across member states, coordinated to amplify their collective impact. Alongside this, the ministers discussed establishing a national index to measure the social impact of awqaf — a tool that would allow governments and endowment administrators to quantify outcomes such as poverty reduction, educational support, and healthcare provision, moving beyond anecdotal reporting toward evidence-based evaluation.
The “Mufaz” competition also featured prominently, with its focus on promoting awareness of awqaf and charitable and voluntary work. Competitions of this kind are increasingly used in the Gulf to engage young people, encourage innovation, and celebrate contributions to the voluntary sector. The ministers further examined the development of an enhanced framework for presenting experiences in Islamic affairs, ensuring that successful models are documented and shared in a consistent format. Finally, the agenda addressed the architectural identity of mosque minarets, exploring how to balance authenticity and innovation, and included plans for an exhibition showcasing mosque styles across GCC member states, as well as preparations for a study on best practices in awqaf management.
International and Regional Impact
How might these discussions resonate beyond the Gulf? The GCC’s approach to awqaf governance carries implications for the wider Islamic world, where endowment institutions often face similar challenges: fragmented oversight, limited data, and the need to modernize without losing sight of religious and cultural values. By developing shared frameworks — such as a common index for social impact or a unified format for presenting experiences — the GCC states are effectively creating a regional benchmark that other countries and multilateral bodies may study or adapt.
For international partners, including development agencies, academic institutions, and philanthropic organizations, the meeting signals that Gulf states are serious about professionalizing their charitable and endowment sectors. This can open doors to collaboration on research, capacity-building, and joint programs. The emphasis on measuring social impact is particularly significant: it aligns with global trends in results-based philanthropy and impact investing, where donors and governments increasingly demand verifiable outcomes. A regional index for awqaf impact would make it easier for international organizations to understand, compare, and potentially partner with Gulf endowment institutions.
Regionally, the meeting reinforces the GCC’s role as a platform for practical cooperation. In a period when the Middle East faces complex economic and security challenges, the ability of Gulf states to coordinate quietly and effectively on social and religious matters demonstrates a different dimension of regional integration — one rooted in shared values and long-term institution-building rather than crisis response. The focus on mosque architecture and minaret identity also highlights a cultural diplomacy dimension, as exhibitions of mosque styles can serve as bridges for intercultural understanding and tourism.
Economic and Strategic Significance
Why should economists and strategists pay attention to a meeting about Islamic affairs and awqaf? Because endowments are, in many cases, substantial economic actors. Properly managed awqaf can generate returns that fund social services, reducing pressure on state budgets and creating sustainable revenue streams for community projects. The discussion of best practices in awqaf management and the proposed study on this topic reflect a recognition that governance quality directly affects financial performance and social returns.
The national index to measure social impact is a strategic tool as much as a technical one. It would allow policymakers to allocate resources more efficiently, demonstrate the value of endowment spending to the public, and attract additional contributions by showing donors that their funds produce measurable results. In an era when Gulf governments are diversifying their economies and seeking to expand non-oil revenue, a robust and transparent awqaf sector can complement national development plans by financing education, health, and social welfare initiatives. The “Mufaz” competition and GCC Endowments Week further support this by building a culture of giving and volunteerism that strengthens social capital — an intangible but critical asset for long-term prosperity.
From a strategic perspective, the meeting also reinforces the soft power of GCC states. By positioning themselves as leaders in modern endowment management, they contribute to a positive global narrative about the region’s commitment to social welfare and ethical finance. This aligns with broader efforts to attract investment, tourism, and international partnerships, as countries that demonstrate strong institutions and social responsibility are often viewed as more stable and attractive partners.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does this meeting connect to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? The Kingdom’s reform agenda places significant emphasis on a vibrant civil society, improved quality of life, and a diversified economy. A modernized awqaf sector directly supports these goals by providing sustainable funding for social programs, encouraging volunteerism, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. Saudi Arabia’s participation in the GCC discussions on social impact measurement and best practices in endowment management complements its own national efforts to enhance the efficiency and transparency of charitable work.
Vision 2030 also prioritizes the preservation of cultural and religious heritage alongside modernization — a balance reflected in the meeting’s attention to mosque minarets and architectural identity. By engaging in regional exchanges on how to honor authenticity while embracing innovation, Saudi Arabia can share its own experiences and learn from its neighbors, strengthening the collective capacity of the Gulf to manage religious and cultural assets for future generations. Ultimately, the 12th Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Awqaf demonstrates that regional cooperation is not only about security and trade, but also about building the social and spiritual foundations of a prosperous, forward-looking Gulf.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the main purpose of the 12th Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Awqaf in GCC member states?
A1. The meeting aimed to advance joint cooperation among GCC member states in Islamic affairs and awqaf, reviewing recommendations from the 11th assistant ministers’ meeting and discussing initiatives to modernize endowment management and social impact measurement.
Q2. Where and when did the 12th meeting take place?
A2. The meeting convened in Manama, Bahrain, on October 20, 2026, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency, bringing together ministers and senior officials from across the Gulf region.
Q3. Who chaired the 12th meeting?
A3. Bahrain’s Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, chaired the meeting, guiding discussions on a range of cooperative initiatives.
Q4. Who represented the GCC General Secretariat at the meeting?
A4. Assistant Secretary-General for Legislative and Legal Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, participated in the meeting, underscoring the institutional support of the GCC.
Q5. What recommendations were reviewed during the meeting?
A5. The ministers reviewed the recommendations of the 11th meeting of assistant ministers, which was held on August 26, 2026, covering technical and strategic proposals for joint action.
Q6. What is the significance of exchanging scientific research in the awqaf sector?
A6. It allows member states to share case studies and best practices, helping newer endowment authorities learn from experienced ones and improving overall governance and efficiency across the region.
Q7. What is GCC Endowments Week?
A7. GCC Endowments Week is a proposed collective initiative to raise public awareness about the role of awqaf in social welfare and economic development through coordinated media campaigns and community events across member states.
Q8. What is the purpose of a national index to measure the social impact of awqaf?
A8. The index would quantify outcomes such as poverty reduction and educational support, enabling evidence-based evaluation and more efficient allocation of endowment resources.
Q9. What is the “Mufaz” competition?
A9. The “Mufaz” competition is an initiative to promote awareness of awqaf and charitable and voluntary work, likely engaging young people and encouraging innovation in the social sector.
Q10. Why did the ministers discuss the architectural identity of mosque minarets?
A10. They explored how to balance authenticity and innovation in mosque design, preserving cultural heritage while allowing for contemporary architectural expression.
Q11. What kind of exhibition was proposed regarding mosques?
A11. An exhibition showcasing mosque styles across GCC member states was proposed, aimed at celebrating architectural diversity and fostering cultural exchange.
Q12. What study is planned on awqaf management?
A12. A study on best practices in awqaf management is being prepared, intended to provide guidance and benchmarks for endowment institutions across the Gulf.
Q13. How does this meeting benefit Saudi Arabia?
A13. It allows Saudi Arabia to share its own experiences, learn from neighbors, and strengthen regional cooperation on social impact measurement and endowment governance, supporting Vision 2030 goals.
Q14. What is the role of the GCC in these meetings?
A14. The GCC provides continuity, a legal framework, and institutional backing, ensuring that cooperation on Islamic affairs and awqaf transcends individual presidencies and annual cycles.
Q15. How do awqaf contribute to economic development?
A15. Well-managed awqaf generate returns that fund social services, reduce pressure on state budgets, and create sustainable revenue streams for community projects, complementing national development plans.
Q16. Why is measuring social impact important for awqaf?
A16. It demonstrates the value of endowment spending, attracts additional contributions by showing measurable results, and helps policymakers allocate resources more efficiently.
Q17. How does this meeting align with Vision 2030?
A17. Vision 2030 emphasizes a vibrant civil society and improved quality of life; a modernized awqaf sector supports these by funding social programs and encouraging volunteerism and accountability.
Q18. What is the significance of the assistant ministers’ meeting held earlier?
A18. The 11th assistant ministers’ meeting on August 26, 2026, prepared technical recommendations that the ministers reviewed and endorsed, ensuring a layered approach to decision-making.
Q19. How might these initiatives affect international partnerships?
A19. They signal that Gulf states are professionalizing their charitable sectors, opening doors for collaboration with development agencies, academic institutions, and philanthropic organizations on research and capacity-building.
Q20. What is the broader message of the 12th meeting?
A20. The meeting demonstrates the GCC’s commitment to practical cooperation on social and religious matters, building institutions that support long-term prosperity and cultural heritage across the region.
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