In brief
Saudi Arabia’s capital hosted the Future of the Non‑Profit Sector Forum’s fifth edition, spotlighting the sector’s role in urban development and quality of life. The event featured workshops, award ceremonies and architectural showcases, drawing more than 1,000 participants and senior royals, and highlighted government support for non‑profits.
In Riyadh on 3 November 2026, the Organisation for the Future of the Non‑Profit Sector held its fifth edition of the Forum, bringing together more than 1,000 participants, senior royal dignitaries and experts to discuss how non‑profits can shape urban development and improve community quality of life.
The programme unfolded over four discussion panels and six workshops that explored topics from innovative housing solutions to inclusive public spaces, sustainable financing of development projects, and community participation in building sustainable cities. This format was intended to sharpen coordination among stakeholders and sharpen coordination of the non‑profit sector in the cityscape.
During the first panel, titled “The Non‑Profit Contractor: Innovation for Developmental Housing,” speakers examined new ways to partner for housing and development programs, while the second panel, “Designing Places: Social Inclusivity in Cities and Public Spaces,” discussed ways to adapt facilities to serve diverse populations and preserve urban identity, a theme echoed in later discussions.
The third and fourth panels focused on innovative financing and “Urbanism for People.” These explorations highlighted the sector’s expanding influence on policy and urban governance as well as the importance of sustainable development practices.
The Forum’s highlight was the “Towards Impact” challenge, for which a 3‑million‑SAR grant was awarded. The prize was announced by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Bader, The Royal Secretary of the Rashod Foundation, and Dr Bader bin Hamoud Al‑Bader, Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Salman (MKS) Foundation, who presented the awards. The money was distributed across three projects, reflecting the Forum’s commitment to bridging philanthropy and impactful outcomes.
Also on display were architectural models of significant non‑profit projects, including the King Salman Center for Disabled Research, Sultan bin Abdulaziz City for Service, details from the Rashod Group, three‑dimensional printed models by the Heritage Agency, and exhibit installations from the “Emergency Aid Initiative” and the “Opportunity” fair trade association.
The event was organised by a consortium of 21 national non‑profit organisations, representing a broad sector of philanthropy and social development. The consortium included institutions such as the King Khaled Foundation, the King Abdullah Humanitarian Foundation, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) (Misk) Foundation, the Princess Sitta Al‑Aziz Prize for Social Work, Sultan bin Abdulaziz City for Service, the Muataa, the Wildness Foundation, the Sailem Foundation, the Al‑Rajhi Foundation, the Al‑Sabeei charitable foundation, the Al‑Skan Foundation, the Al‑Fawzan program for community service, the Al‑Hayat charitable foundation, and the Saleh Abdullah Kamel Foundation.
Government backing for the non‑profit sector was evident through the presence of senior royal dignitaries, and the Forum underlined the importance of continuing cooperation between the public sector, the private sector, and civil society to sustain societal progress and urban vitality in Saudi Arabia.
