In brief
In Riyadh on 3 November 2026, the fifth Future of the Non‑Profit Sector Forum examined how non‑profits contribute to urban development and quality of life. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the forum hosted more than 1,000 participants, presented a 3 million SAR prize in the “Toward Impact” challenge, and displayed architectural models of major projects. Royal dignitaries, senior officials, and key sector leaders praised government support for the sector.
The fifth edition of the Future of the Non‑Profit Sector Forum closed in Riyadh on 3 November 2026, with more than 1,000 participants representing government, experts, and the public.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the forum focused on the role of non‑profits in urban development and the enhancement of quality of life, a theme that echoed through four discussion sessions and six workshops.
During the closing ceremony, a 3 million SAR prize was awarded in the "Towards Impact" challenge. The award ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, chairman of the board of trustees of the Ruqayyah Felicity Foundation, and Dr. Bader bin Hamoud Al‑Bader, CEO of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation "Misk". The three winning projects received the prize money, which was distributed across three categories.
Sessions and Themes
The first session titled "The Non‑Profit Contractor: Innovation for Development Housing" examined housing solutions and developmental partnerships tailored to emerging urban needs.
The second session, "Creating Spaces: Social Inclusivity for Cities and Public Areas", highlighted the importance of designing facilities that serve diverse social groups, advancing universal access and preserving architectural heritage.
The third session, "Pipeline Infrastructure Investment for Community Returns", presented innovative financing models for development projects and explored ways to sustain their benefits to society.
The fourth session, "Urban Design for Humanity", concentrated on building sustainable cities while encouraging community participation in design processes.
Awards, Exhibits and Projects
Alongside the awards, the forum featured architectural scale models—built to showcase key sector projects—including the King Salman Center for Disability Research, Sultan City for Humanitarian Services, and projects from the Ruqayyah Felicity Foundation.
The exhibition also displayed 3‑D printed models from the Heritage Authority, exhibits from the 'Nation Model Initiative' by the Faweran Community Service Program, and instances of mobile vendor kiosks curated by the 'Opportunities Association'. Additional displays featured a model of King Khalid Mosque in Riyadh and a housing engineering concept from the National Housing Development Foundation "Sakan".
The Saudi Press Agency noted that the event was co‑organized by 21 national non‑profit entities, ranging from charities and foundations to developmental initiatives, including the King Khalid Foundation, King Abdullah Humanitarian Foundation, Misk Foundation, Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Prize for Excellence in Social Service, Sultan bin Abdulaziz City for Humanitarian Services, and the Saad Al‑Jabri Foundation, among others.
The extensive participation of senior royals, ministers, and dignitaries—highlighting the Saudi government’s strategic interest in the non‑profit sector—underscored the sector’s potential to foster urban resilience and social welfare in the Kingdom.
In summary, the mayoral and royal presence, coupled with the launching of a multi‑million‑dirham prize and a showcase of sector projects, signalled strong governmental backing for the continued development of the non‑profit arena in Saudi Arabia.
