Top Middle East philanthropists and foundations announced

A man committed to improving transparency, accountability and business practices in the Arab world has been named philanthropist of the year at the inaugural Campden Middle East Philanthropy Awards, in association with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.

Arif Masood Naqvi, a board member of the private sector-led non-for-profit Pearl Initiative, saw off competition from Fadi Ghandour and Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber to take the award at a ceremony this week at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel.

In the presence of more than 100 of the region’s top philanthropists and foundations, Mishal Hamed Kanoo was named young philanthropist of the year, while the top regional foundation accolade went to Arab Human Rights Fund in Lebanon. The recipient of the local foundation of the year award was Welfare Association in Palestine.

Sheikha Bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan was awarded the lifetime achievement accolade, with her son, HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nayhan, accepting it on her behalf.

“The work of these philanthropists and foundations in the context of the Middle East and beyond is truly inspiring,” said David Bain, editorial director of Campden Media.

“But many of these efforts are often unrecognised in a wider context. These inaugural awards will hopefully help, if only in a small way, to give these foundations and individuals the recognition they deserve.”

Top Philanthropist of the Year
Winner
Arif Masood Naqvi

Shortlisted
Fadi Ghandour
Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber



Young Philanthropist of the Year
Winner
Mishal Hamed Kanoo

Shortlisted
Masood Razaq
Hala Fadel

Regional Foundation of the Year
Winner
Arab Human Rights Fund, Lebanon

Shortlisted
Dubai Cares
Qatar Foundation

Local Foundation of the Year
Winner
Welfare Association, Palestine

Shortlisted
Waqfeyat al Maadi Community Foundation
Saudi Food Bank

Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner
Sheikha Bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan