Philanthropic Titans: MENA’s Business Leaders Transforming Communities Through Giving

In recent years, philanthropists from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have redefined charitable giving, moving beyond traditional family foundations to create lasting, transformative change. 

From education and healthcare to women’s empowerment and cultural preservation, these business moguls are channeling their resources into causes that will benefit generations to come. 

This article will explore the influential philanthropists shaping the future of MENA through their extraordinary contributions and how they are pioneering a new era of social responsibility.

Sheikh Sulaiman Al Rajhi: A Legacy of Generosity

Sheikh Sulaiman Al Rajhi, co-founder of Al Rajhi Bank, epitomizes the spirit of self-made success and philanthropy. Coming from humble beginnings, Al Rajhi made his fortune in banking before announcing that he would donate about $19 billion—half to his children and half to charitable causes. 

This unprecedented act of generosity reduced his personal net worth to $590 million, making him one of the world’s foremost philanthropists.

His charitable foundation, the Sulaiman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi Charitable Foundation, has focused on education, healthcare, and social welfare in Saudi Arabia. Notably, in 2024, Al Rajhi funded a university incubator project at Sulaiman Al Rajhi University designed to empower young entrepreneurs. 

His contributions to education and social welfare continue to uplift communities, and his 2012 King Faisal International Prize further solidified his status as a philanthropist of global importance.

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair: Advancing Refugee Education

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, a leading Emirati businessman, established the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund in 2018 with a generous initial donation of 120 million AED ($32.6 million). 

The fund’s mission is to provide education for 20,000 refugees and vulnerable youth, primarily in Jordan, Lebanon, and the UAE, with a focus on Syrian refugee communities.

By supporting secondary, vocational, and tertiary education, Al Ghurair is ensuring that young displaced people have access to the resources they need to rebuild their futures.

His commitment to education in crisis zones has made him one of the most influential philanthropists in the MENA region, particularly in improving access to education for marginalized populations.

Kamel & Lina Lazaar: Championing MENA Arts and Culture

Tunisian-Swiss businessman Kamel Lazaar and his daughter, Lina, are key players in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the MENA region.

Through the Kamel Lazaar Foundation, they have been instrumental in funding art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and heritage preservation initiatives across the Arab world.

The foundation’s support for the first Tunisian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2022 and its role in establishing Art JAW—the precursor to Saudi Arabia’s renowned Art Jao—has significantly impacted the MENA art scene.

Lazaar’s work ensures that MENA artists and their cultural expressions are showcased on the global stage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s unique artistic traditions.

Raja Easa Al Gurg: Empowering Women and Communities

A pioneer in business and philanthropy, Raja Easa Al Gurg has made significant strides in education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.

As chair of the Al Jalila Foundation and head of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, Al Gurg has funded scholarships, built schools, and supported medical facilities across the UAE and beyond. 

Her philanthropic efforts are especially focused on creating opportunities for women in business and supporting groundbreaking medical research in Dubai.

Recognized as one of the most influential Arab women in family business by Forbes Middle East in 2012, Al Gurg’s leadership continues to inspire and shape both the business and philanthropic landscapes of the UAE.

Munib R. Masri: Building a Better Future for Palestine

Munib R. Masri, a Palestinian businessman, has dedicated much of his life to improving the social and economic conditions of Palestine. 

Through the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation and the Palestine Forum, which he founded, Masri has supported infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare services in Palestinian communities. His efforts culminated in the 2011 Cairo Peace Accords, which played a key role in fostering unity between Palestinian factions.

Masri’s contributions extend beyond philanthropy—his company, PADICO, has invested in telecommunications, real estate, and infrastructure in Palestine, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

His leadership in the Palestine Development and Investment Company (PADICO) and other ventures has made him a powerful force for change in the region.

The Sawiris Family: Social Development Through Sustainable Agriculture

The Sawiris family, prominent Egyptian entrepreneurs, founded the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) in 2001 to improve the lives of marginalized communities in Egypt, particularly in Upper Egypt.

The foundation’s key members include Samih Sawiris, his mother, Yousriya Sawiris, Nadia Makram, Nassef Sawiris, and others. 

Through SFSD, Sawiris has implemented programs focused on poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

 “Agriculture is a very significant economic sector in Upper Egypt, and we see it as a huge opportunity to make a difference in poverty and food security,” says Noura Selim, the Foundation’s executive director. “It links to the core of what we do – economic empowerment.”

One of the foundation’s most notable projects is the Sustainable Agricultural Development Program (SADP), launched in 2012 with an investment of $1.3 million.

Next-Generation Philanthropy: The Changing Landscape in MENA

In April 2024, the report titled “Grounded in Tradition, Looking to the Future: Understanding Next-Generation Philanthropy in the Middle East” was launched and commissioned by the Pearl Initiative, Zovighian Partnership, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

The report explores the rise of next-generation philanthropists in the region, many of whom are rethinking traditional models of giving. 

These philanthropists are often younger and more focused on causes such as education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.

Next-generation donors are directing an average of $100,000 annually to charity, with some contributing over $1 million. 

These philanthropists prefer autonomous giving but are increasingly open to partnerships, with 35%  finding co-funding effective. However, challenges remain, such as dissatisfaction with governance structures and gaps in funding for sectors like culture and human rights.

The emergence of networks like NEXUS is helping to facilitate these changes, making philanthropy more innovative and collaborative in the MENA region.

Wrapping Up

The philanthropists featured in this article are shaping the future of MENA, using their resources to make a significant impact in education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and community development. 

Their efforts show that business leaders in the region are not only committed to economic success but also to improving the lives of people throughout MENA and beyond.

As new generations of philanthropists emerge, they continue to innovate, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the philanthropic sector. 

Their legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire others to use their wealth and influence to create positive change in the world!

We Also Said: Don’t Miss It…Live Like a Billionaire: Inside Naguib Sawiris’ $12.5M Seafront Luxury Villa