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On behalf of HRH Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Madinah Region and Honorary President of the Taibah University Endowments, HRH Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Region, inaugurated today the "Forum on Developing University Endowments and Enhancing Financial Sustainability." Organized by Taibah University, the event brings together leaders and representatives of Saudi university endowments, experts, specialists, donor entities, and partners from the endowment sector.
The Deputy Governor toured the exhibition accompanying the forum, where he was briefed on the contributions, experiences, and initiatives presented by participating entities in the field of university endowments. These included programs and projects designed to advance endowment work, ensure its sustainability, and maximize its role in supporting education, research, and innovation.
The ceremony began with the Royal Anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran. Attendees then watched a documentary highlighting university endowments, their impact on supporting education, research, and innovation, and the importance of their sustainability in bolstering university resources and expanding their societal impact.
In her address, the President of Taibah University, Dr. Nawal bint Mohammed Al-Rasheed, expressed appreciation for the patronage of the Governor of the Madinah Region—Honorary President of the University’s Endowments—and the support and attention accorded to the university and its development initiatives. She also thanked the Deputy Governor for honoring the event with his presence. The University President explained that while a university endowment may originate with a specific asset or contribution, its impact extends far beyond that: it creates educational opportunities, supports research that translates into practical application, and fosters innovation and initiatives that benefit both the university and the wider community. She noted that developing university endowments is not merely about growing assets and financial returns; it is about expanding impact and investing in people, knowledge, and the future.
She pointed out that the developments witnessed by the Kingdom under Saudi Vision 2030 open up broad horizons for university endowments. These opportunities allow for the creation of more sustainable and efficient models, the diversification of university resources, the development of endowment and investment products, and the strengthening of partnerships across the public, private, and non-profit sectors—all of which support the university’s mission in education, research, innovation, and community service.
Dr. Nawal Al-Rasheed stated that the forum brings together Saudi university endowments in a shared space to highlight their role in supporting education, exchange expertise and experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities, and envision new models for university endowment operations. She emphasized that the future of university endowments requires greater integration between universities and donors, the innovation of endowment products, improved investment efficiency, enhanced governance and transparency, and the ability to measure the impact these endowments have on individuals and society. The University President commended the partnership and support provided by the General Authority for Awqaf, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Endowment for his Parents, the Madinah Chamber, the Arab National Bank, the SABIC Employees’ Charity Fund (SABIC Birr), the Ali Hassan Sharbatly Endowment, and the Takaful Society for Orphan Care. She highlighted the opportunities this support creates for students and researchers, the empowerment of talent, and the implementation of impactful community-serving initiatives.
She expressed her hope that the forum—launched from Madinah, a city with a rich legacy of endowment and philanthropy—would usher in a new phase of integration between Saudi university endowments and donor entities. This phase aims to foster knowledge sharing, expand partnerships, and develop educational endowment opportunities, ultimately leading to a university ecosystem characterized by greater sustainability and impact.
Subsequently, His Highness the Deputy Governor of Madinah Region presided over the signing of several strategic agreements. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation in endowment investment, support educational and academic programs, develop community initiatives, provide practical training opportunities, and foster collaboration in digital and investment sectors.
The agreements included a pact between the General Authority for Awqaf and the Saudi Electronic University, signed by the Authority’s Deputy Governor, Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Aqeel, and the University’s President, Prof. Dr. Mohammed bin Yahya Marthi.
An agreement was also signed between Taibah University and Jadwa Investment. Representing the university was Vice President Dr. Jaber Al-Mutairi, while the company was represented by Ghanem bin Fahd Al-Ghanem, Head of Investment Advisory. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in endowment investment and asset management, as well as to explore the establishment of an endowment investment fund to ensure financial sustainability. The agreements included a pact between Taibah University and the Afaq Educational Association. Representing the university was Vice President Dr. Jaber Al-Mutairi, while Executive Director Hasen bin Abdullah Al-Qarni represented the association. The agreement aims to support educational programs and scientific activities, empower gifted students, and implement enrichment programs.
Taibah University also signed a cooperation agreement with the Emaar Association. Dr. Jaber Al-Mutairi represented the university, and CEO Engineer Imad bin Abdulkhaliq Mahjoub represented the association. This agreement focuses on collaboration in engineering and design, the development of community initiatives, and the provision of practical training opportunities for university students.
Furthermore, an agreement was signed between Wadi Taibah Company and the Digital Solutions and Business Company. CEO Dr. Faisal Al-Balawi represented Wadi Taibah, while Dr. Hani bin Mansour Al-Adheed—Secretary-General of the Saudi Electronic University Endowments—represented the Digital Solutions and Business Company.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness the Deputy Governor of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Region honored those who contributed to supporting Taibah University’s endowments, in recognition of their efforts to bolster the university’s progress and enhance its endowment resources. The honorees included the General Authority for Endowments; the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Endowment for his Parents; the SABIC Employees’ Charitable Fund (SABIC Birr); the Takaful Association for Orphan Care; and the Ali Hassan Sharbatly Endowment.
