Awqaf Abu Dhabi Graduates First Trustee Cohort

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-07-11

Abu Dhabi's Endowments and Minors' Funds Authority (Awqaf Abu Dhabi) just celebrated a major milestone. They graduated the first group of trustees from their new Trustees Enablement Programme. This is a big deal for anyone involved in endowment management, especially if you're looking at best practices from a global perspective. Thirty-four trustees completed the intensive training. It ran from June 29 to July 1, 2026, at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. The graduation ceremony was a formal affair, with H.E. Fahad Abdulqader Al Qassim, the Director General, in attendance. This program is all about strengthening how endowments are managed, using solid governance and institutional frameworks. ### What's the Big Deal About This Programme? Think of it as a boot camp for trustees. Endowments, or "awqaf," are a traditional form of charitable giving in the Islamic world. But running them well in modern times requires serious skills. This programme is designed to give trustees the tools they need to handle complex financial and legal responsibilities. The training covers best-practice governance. That means clear rules, accountability, and transparency. It also focuses on institutional frameworks, which are the structures that make sure endowments last and grow over time. It's not just about managing money; it's about building a system that works for generations. ### Why This Matters for Professionals in the U.S. You might be wondering why a program in Abu Dhabi matters to you. Well, endowment management is a global challenge. Whether you're overseeing a university fund, a religious institution's assets, or a private foundation, the core principles are the same. - Governance is key: Clear policies prevent conflicts and ensure funds are used as intended. - Training is essential: Trustees need ongoing education to stay sharp. - Partnerships add value: Working with academic institutions brings fresh ideas and research. This programme is a model that could inspire similar efforts here in the States. It shows that investing in trustee education pays off in better management and stronger institutions. ### Inside the Trustees Enablement Programme The programme wasn't a one-off event. It's part of a series of initiatives delivered in partnership with Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. That partnership adds academic rigor and credibility. The training likely included case studies, workshops, and real-world scenarios. Trustees got to practice making tough decisions in a safe environment. One key takeaway is the focus on institutional frameworks. That means creating systems that outlive any single trustee. It's about building a culture of excellence and responsibility. For U.S. professionals, this is a reminder that good governance isn't optional—it's the foundation of trust. ### Looking Ahead for Awqaf Abu Dhabi This graduation is just the beginning. Awqaf Abu Dhabi is clearly committed to raising the bar for endowment management. They're setting an example for other regions to follow. If you're involved in endowments, keep an eye on their work. They're proving that with the right training, trustees can make a real difference. So, what's the takeaway? Invest in your people. Give them the tools and knowledge they need. That's how you build endowments that last. And if you ever get a chance to collaborate with institutions like Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, jump on it. The partnerships you build today will shape the future of your organization.