Saudi Arabia’s non-profit sector has exceeded SAR 100 billion in economic contribution for the first time, accounting for 3.3% of the Kingdom’s GDP, according to the “Prospects for the Non-Profit Sector 2025” report by the King Khalid Foundation. The sector’s expansion aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives and is on track to achieve its target of reaching 5% of GDP two years ahead of schedule.
The report highlighted the contributions of key segments within the sector. Awqaf, or endowments, accounted for SAR 48 billion, according to the General Authority for Awqaf, while non-profit organisations added SAR 47 billion in spending, based on data from the General Authority for Statistics. Volunteering activities generated an estimated SAR 5 billion in economic value, while cooperative societies contributed SAR 2 billion, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Education and research organisations led in revenue generation, surpassing SAR 19 billion. Health organisations recorded the highest spending at SAR 15 billion due to government assets in health and education being transferred into non-profit entities. Organisations focused on culture, entertainment, and social services reported the highest employment rates within the sector.
The report also examined funding sources, emphasising the role of government support and digital donation platforms, which collectively raised over SAR 15 billion in 2024. The National Platform for Charitable Work (Ehsan) saw significant small-value donations of SAR 1, SAR 10, and SAR 100, while major philanthropic contributions of SAR 100,000 or more accounted for 26% of total donations.
Public engagement in the sector remained strong, with 23% of Saudi citizens participating in volunteer work and 47% making donations in 2024. The expansion of the non-profit sector reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification efforts and growing emphasis on social impact initiatives.
