Awqaf Abu Dhabi and MAIR Group Sign $54.5m Development Agreement

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority – Awqaf Abu Dhabi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAIR Group PJSC (ADX: MAIR) to develop a portfolio of real estate projects valued at approximately $54.5 million (AED200 million) on endowment land in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement forms part of broader efforts to enhance the investment performance of endowment assets while supporting social initiatives across the UAE. The projects will contribute to the “Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans” campaign, an initiative aimed at generating sustainable funding to support the care and wellbeing of orphans.

The partnership reflects Awqaf Abu Dhabi’s strategy to deepen collaboration with the private sector and introduce a modern investment approach for managing endowment assets. By developing real estate projects on endowed land, the authority aims to transform these assets into sustainable revenue-generating investments capable of supporting long-term humanitarian programmes.

Under the terms of the MoU, Awqaf Abu Dhabi will allocate the required endowment land for the projects, while MAIR Group, through its real estate subsidiary Makani Real Estate, will oversee the development, management, and implementation of the projects.

The developments will be delivered in accordance with established investment and operational standards, with the objective of generating stable returns that contribute to the long-term sustainability of the endowment initiative.

Supporting the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans

The initiative forms part of the “Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans” campaign, launched by Awqaf Abu Dhabi to establish a sustainable financial framework that supports programmes dedicated to orphan care and social development.

Through real estate investment projects and strategic partnerships, the campaign aims to strengthen the long-term financial resources available for supporting orphan welfare while promoting social and economic stability.

Fahd Abdulqader Al Qassim, Director General of the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority – Awqaf Abu Dhabi, said:

This agreement represents an advanced model for leveraging endowment assets within a sustainable investment framework that enhances their efficiency and multiplies their social and economic impact. Through these strategic partnerships with the private sector, we aim to transform endowment assets into sustainable development drivers capable of generating long-term returns that support priority social initiatives.

He added:

The development of projects on endowed land aligns with the Authority’s strategic direction to build a modern endowment ecosystem grounded in strong governance and institutional investment, ensuring the preservation and growth of assets while maximising their impact across generations.

Private Sector Role in Sustainable Social Investment

The agreement also highlights the increasing role of the private sector in supporting national initiatives that combine economic development with social impact.

H.E. Nehayan Hamad Alameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of MAIR Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality development projects that align with both investment and social objectives.

He added:

At MAIR Group, we believe in the importance of partnerships with national entities to support initiatives that deliver sustainable social impact. Through these projects, we look forward to contributing to the development of endowment assets with both economic and social value, ensuring long-term returns that support the ‘Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans’ campaign and enhance the quality of life of orphans.

Developing Sustainable Endowment Investment Models

The collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to modernise the management of endowment assets by combining institutional governance, strategic investment, and private sector expertise.

By transforming endowed land into productive development projects, the initiative aims to create a sustainable investment model that supports both economic growth and social welfare programmes, reinforcing the role of endowments as long-term contributors to community development.