About Us
Waqf Economic Forum
Unlocking Waqf for Inclusive Growth
The Waqf Economic Forum is an international platform focused on unlocking the economic and development potential of Waqf through investment, asset development, Islamic finance, entrepreneurship, sustainable development and strategic partnerships.
Waqf has historically played an important role in supporting education, healthcare, community welfare, infrastructure, agriculture and economic activity. Today, there is an opportunity to build upon this legacy by connecting Waqf assets with modern investment, development and financial capabilities.
The Forum brings together Waqf authorities, governments, investors, Islamic financial institutions, asset managers, developers, entrepreneurs, development organisations, scholars, technology companies and strategic partners to explore practical pathways for turning Waqf potential into sustainable economic and social impact.
The Forum is part of World Islamic Economy Week 2026 and complements the Global Waqf Forum by focusing specifically on the economic dimension of Waqf transformation. The published programme identifies Waqf investment, Sukuk al-Waqf, asset development, affordable housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, impact investment, ESG and sustainable finance among its key areas.
OUR VISION
A Productive, Sustainable and Inclusive Waqf Economy
We envision a future where Waqf assets are responsibly developed and connected to productive economic activity, creating sustainable value and meaningful benefit for communities and future generations.
A future where:
Assets become productive.
Investment creates development.
Development creates opportunity.
Opportunity creates prosperity.
Prosperity creates lasting impact.
OUR MISSION
Turning Waqf Potential Into Economic Impact
Our mission is to create a platform where Waqf assets, capital, expertise and development opportunities can come together.
We seek to:
Promote productive Waqf investment
Facilitate Waqf asset development
Explore innovative Islamic finance structures
Connect Waqf institutions with appropriate capital
Develop investment and development partnerships
Support Waqf-linked entrepreneurship
Encourage impact investment
Explore sustainable and responsible development models
Facilitate cross-border investment and cooperation
Connect Waqf with major economic and development priorities
Encourage measurable economic and social impact
WHY WAQF ECONOMIC FORUM?
From Waqf Assets to Economic Opportunity
Waqf is fundamentally designed to preserve value and generate continuing benefit.
The economic opportunity lies in strengthening the pathway between Waqf ownership, productive development, investment and sustainable impact.
This requires more than capital.
It requires the combination of:
ASSETS
Identifying and understanding Waqf assets and their development potential.
CAPITAL
Connecting suitable projects with appropriate sources of Islamic and impact capital.
EXPERTISE
Bringing together investment, legal, financial, technical and development capabilities.
PARTNERSHIPS
Creating structures through which Waqf institutions can work with governments and private-sector organisations.
INNOVATION
Exploring new models for Waqf investment, development and enterprise.
IMPACT
Ensuring economic activity translates into sustainable social and development outcomes.
OUR APPROACH
From Assets to Impact
The Waqf Economic Forum follows an integrated economic development pathway:
01 — IDENTIFY
Identify Waqf assets, opportunities and development needs.
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02 — ASSESS
Evaluate legal, Shariah, financial, technical and commercial considerations.
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03 — STRUCTURE
Develop appropriate investment, financing and partnership models.
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04 — MOBILISE
Connect projects with suitable capital, expertise and strategic partners.
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05 — DEVELOP
Transform suitable assets into productive economic and social infrastructure.
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06 — GENERATE
Create sustainable revenue, economic activity and long-term value.
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07 — IMPACT
Deliver measurable economic, social and environmental benefit.
Why Strategic Focus
The Economic Dimensions of Waqf
The Forum focuses on the areas where Waqf can potentially contribute to productive economic development.
WAQF INVESTMENT
Exploring responsible investment models for productive Waqf assets.
SUKUK AL-WAQF
Examining opportunities to connect Waqf with Islamic capital markets.
ASSET DEVELOPMENT
Unlocking the productive potential of Waqf land, property, agriculture and other permitted assets.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Exploring Waqf-supported housing and community development models.
HEALTHCARE
Developing sustainable approaches to healthcare infrastructure and services.
EDUCATION
Connecting Waqf with education, research, scholarships and human-capital development.
AGRICULTURE
Exploring agricultural Waqf, food production and rural economic development.
IMPACT & SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
Connecting Waqf with impact investment, ESG and sustainable development.
These areas reflect the published focus of the Waqf Economic Forum within World Islamic Economy Week 2026.
THE FUTURE OF WAQF
From Endowment to Economic Ecosystem
The future opportunity is not simply to preserve Waqf assets.
It is to build the systems, partnerships and investment structures that can enable appropriate Waqf assets to generate sustainable economic value and continuing social benefit.