Article

The Non-Profit Sector: A Success Story Awaiting 'The Best'

Dr. Saud Al-Gharbi

Date of Publication: July 11, 2026 22:44 KSA

The Cabinet's praise for the growing numbers achieved by the non-profit sector was not merely a celebration of statistical achievements, but a leadership message affirming that this sector has become a key partner in national development, economic enhancement, and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. In truth, the non-profit sector in the Kingdom is not a product of recent years; rather, it is a longstanding and deeply rooted sector in Saudi society, built on charitable work, endowments, and volunteerism for decades, and it has contributed to entrenching values of solidarity and social cohesion before entering a new, more professional, organized, and impactful phase today. Moreover, support for this sector did not begin with Vision 2030 alone; the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz - may God protect him - has a long history spanning decades in sponsoring charitable institutions, supporting community initiatives, and promoting endowment work, which is a natural extension of the state's approach to fostering a culture of giving and institutional work. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the non-profit sector witnessed an unprecedented qualitative leap, driven by the deep belief of His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in the importance of this sector, to the extent that it has today become a key national pillar in development. Furthermore, His Highness's association with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), and the initiatives and projects that emerged from it, reflects his influential presence in developing and empowering the third sector ecosystem. There is no doubt that the numbers achieved over the past years are a source of pride, but at the same time they affirm that opportunities are still greater, and that reaching more ambitious targets is possible if the pace of development continues with the same momentum, while addressing existing challenges. It is realistic to acknowledge that the sector still faces challenges that require more flexibility in regulations and speeding up government entities' procedures to match the level of faith and support that the leadership gives to this sector. While some government entities have made tangible progress in empowering associations and civil institutions, others still suffer from clear slowness in implementing supportive initiatives. Among the most prominent examples is the stumbling of the delegation project in several sectors, despite it being a national project stemming from the leadership's interest in expanding the role of the non-profit sector. Furthermore, empowerment programs, foremost among them granting endowment and association-specific lands, still face major challenges, especially in major cities, even though they were created to ensure the financial sustainability of these entities. Added to this is the importance of utilizing unused government buildings and converting them into headquarters for associations, thereby reducing operational burdens, enhancing sustainability, and enabling these entities to direct their resources towards serving society instead of depleting them on headquarters costs. The success of the non-profit sector remains a shared responsibility not limited to government entities or associations, but extending to every individual and institution in society. Membership in associations, participation in their programs, volunteering, and supporting them with expertise, time, or resources are no longer merely optional acts, but have become a national partnership that contributes to building human capital, enhancing development, and creating a more sustainable future. Instilling a culture of belonging to this sector is an investment in future generations and a professional and national duty that reflects society's awareness of its role in achieving the nation's goals. Every strong association means a more cohesive society, and every volunteer or active member is a true partner in shaping the Kingdom's future.

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