Awqaf Abu Dhabi, LuLu Group partner on Dh100m projects supporting orphans in UAE
Commercial developments on endowed land to fund long-term social programmes
ABU DHABI – The Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority – Awqaf Abu Dhabi has partnered with LuLu Group International to develop a portfolio of commercial projects worth Dh100 million on endowment land in Abu Dhabi.
The initiative is designed to generate sustainable financial returns that will support long-term care and improve the quality of life for orphans across the UAE.
The collaboration forms part of the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative, a national philanthropic programme launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. By combining endowed assets with private-sector expertise, the project aims to create a sustainable funding model for social welfare initiatives while preserving the long-term value of endowment land.
The agreement was formalised between Ashraf Ali MA, Executive Director of LuLu Group International, and Fahd Abdulqader Al Qassim, Director General of Awqaf Abu Dhabi. The signing took place in the presence of Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman of LuLu Group International; Abdul Hamid Mohammed Saeed, Chairman of Awqaf Abu Dhabi; and Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Secretary-General of Erth Zayed Philanthropies.
Strategic partnership
The memorandum of understanding enables Awqaf Abu Dhabi to allocate endowed land for the development of commercial projects, while LuLu Group International will lead the design, development and operational management of the portfolio.
The developments will form a Dh100 million investment programme built on endowment land owned by Awqaf Abu Dhabi. Revenues generated through the projects will be channelled into the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative, ensuring a stable financial stream that supports long-term social objectives.
The programme aims to strengthen the sustainability of Awqaf Abu Dhabi’s charitable activities while expanding support systems for orphans in the UAE. It also reflects a growing focus on using endowment assets in innovative ways to generate recurring income for social programmes.
Sustainable funding
Fahd Abdulqader Al Qassim, Director General of Awqaf Abu Dhabi, said the partnership demonstrates how endowment assets can be transformed into sustainable funding sources when paired with professional investment management.
“By pairing endowment assets with professional investment and operational expertise, we can convert endowed land into reliable, long-term funding for social initiatives,” he said. “This partnership exemplifies a modern, governance-led endowment model that preserves assets, delivers consistent returns and maximises social value across generations.”
The model reflects an institutional approach to endowment management that prioritises asset preservation while ensuring that charitable programmes receive steady and measurable financial support.
Private sector role
Yusuff Ali MA, Chairman of LuLu Group International, said the private sector has a significant role to play in supporting national priorities through responsible investment.
“The private sector has an important role to play in supporting national priorities through responsible, impact-driven investment,” he said. “We are committed to the highest standards of quality and efficiency through these projects, with a focus on delivering sustainable returns that create lasting impact for the community.”
The partnership also aligns with broader national priorities, including the values highlighted during the Year of the Family, which emphasises strengthening social support systems and community well-being.
Awqaf Abu Dhabi said the agreement forms part of its broader shift towards a more institutional and outcomes-driven approach to endowment development. This strategy prioritises transparent investment practices, careful asset management and measurable social impact across all projects developed on endowment land.
Projects developed under the agreement will be assessed through clearly defined performance and impact metrics to ensure they deliver both financial sustainability and meaningful community benefits.