- Abu Dhabi programme recorded strong public turnout, reflecting values of solidarity and social cohesion across the community
- The festival welcomed nearly 13,500 visitors in Abu Dhabi and generated AED 17M in total proceeds
Abu Dhabi, March 2026: The Athar Festival concluded its activities at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, drawing the curtain on a distinguished 2026 edition that embodied the values of generosity and giving. The festival successfully transformed family entertainment into a meaningful platform for supporting endowment and creating sustainable social impact, contributing to the overall success of the “Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans” initiative during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Held from 25 to 29 March 2026, the festival witnessed strong visitor turnout, welcoming 13,500 attendees and featuring more than 120 cultural, educational, and entertainment experiences. It also hosted dedicated platforms supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, contributing to local economic activity and enhancing community participation.
Total proceeds reached AED 17M and will be fully allocated to the “Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans”, under the supervision of the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority – Awqaf Abu Dhabi. These proceeds will be invested through an approved endowment mechanism to generate sustainable long-term returns dedicated to supporting orphans’ education, healthcare, and dignified living, contributing to improved quality of life and a more balanced and resilient society.
H.E. Fahad Abdulqader Al Qassim, Director General of Awqaf Abu Dhabi, said: “We take pride in the success achieved by the Athar Festival in its 2026 edition, both in terms of strong community engagement and the meaningful humanitarian impact it delivered. The festival has demonstrated that entertainment can serve as a bridge for giving, and that when the UAE community comes together around a shared humanitarian purpose, it creates real and lasting impact.”
He added: “Athar represents an advanced model of contemporary endowment, where every visit and every interaction contributes to building a more stable future for orphans, in alignment with the values of the Year of the Family and Abu Dhabi’s vision of strengthening endowment as a sustainable development tool.”
Awqaf Abu Dhabi also commended the vital role played by festival partners and sponsors, whose strategic, logistical, and community support contributed to the success of this edition, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting a culture of giving and strengthening partnerships in initiatives with sustainable social impact. Sponsors included ADQ, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), AD Ports Group, Emirates Development Bank (EDB), and ADNOC Group.
The Athar Festival reflects the success of an integrated model that brings together family joy and charitable action on one platform. It underscores Awqaf Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative community initiatives that strengthen social cohesion and reinforce endowment as a key pillar of sustainable social development in the UAE.
About Awqaf Abu Dhabi:
Established in May 2023, Awqaf Abu Dhabi promotes and advances the practice of endowment (waqf), maximising social and financial impact across the community through sustainable investments and partnerships.
In addition to overseeing endowment-related processes, Awqaf Abu Dhabi manages the financial guardianship and development of the funds of minors, interdicted persons and others, supporting greater financial and social inclusion.
Awqaf Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen the culture of endowments, and organises events, conferences, and seminars focused on the governance, management and investment of endowments and minors’ funds, while contributing to the evolution of endowment practices across the Emirate.
