The Role of Technology in Enhancing Strategic Philanthropy and the Non-Profit Sector in Saudi Arabia
The philanthropic and non-profit sector in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is in the GCC region, has deep roots in the religious beliefs and cultural customs of the Arab society. Recent estimates show that philanthropy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is valued at approximately US$210 billion annually, with the largest family businesses contributing at least US$7 billion per year. In The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where philanthropy and non-profit organizations are collectively referred to as the ‘third sector,’ the commitment to this sector is evident and deeply tied to Islamic teachings of stewardship and is considered both a religious obligation and social duty. However, accurate and up-to-date data on the size, opportunities, and impact of third sector giving in the country is still limited.
Despite this limitation, there are strong indications that the future of philanthropy and non-profits in the Kingdom is promising, fueled in part by the involvement of young, successful, and tech-savvy entrepreneurs and leaders who can harness the power of digital tools, social media, and global education to drive innovation and growth within the sector. As Saudi Arabia continues to boost the third sector's contribution to 5% of GDP under Vision 2030, the blend of historical traditions, modern giving tools, and the energy of a globally connected generation offers an optimistic and exciting path forward for philanthropy and non-profits in the country.
This Outcomes Report follows a high-level roundtable and pre-event interviews, which engaged key stakeholders to gain insights into the current state of the third sector in Saudi Arabia, the challenges it faces, and potential solutions that technology can offer to overcome them. The roundtable brought together stakeholders from across the sector, including representatives from grant-making foundations, non-profit organizations, national development centers, and leaders in the social impact space. The findings and recommendations in this report reflect both individual and collective perspectives of roundtable participants and those interviewed pre-event.
Key Insights
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Technology as a Catalyst for Growth: The non-profit sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a digital transformation, driven by Vision 2030. Technology adoption, including AI, big data, and automation, is essential for improving efficiency, transparency, and impact measurement.
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Challenges in Digital Integration: Despite progress, many organizations struggle with digital access, data utilization, and cybersecurity. Limited funding and technical expertise hinder the ability of smaller nonprofits to leverage emerging technologies effectively.
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Strategic Partnerships for Advancement: Public-private collaborations play a crucial role in bridging resource gaps, providing financial support, and facilitating knowledge transfer. Government incentives and corporate engagement can further accelerate sector-wide digital transformation.
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Capacity Building and Sustainability: Investing in workforce upskilling, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable funding models is critical for long-term success. Nonprofits need structured support, including toolkits, training, and impact assessment frameworks, to maximize their contributions.
Focus Areas


Acknowledgement
The roundtable, held in partnership with Itmam, took place in Riyadh, KSA, on September 17, 2024.