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The UAE stands out as one of the world’s most generous societies. In 2025, 87% of people surveyed reported giving money, far exceeding the global average of 61% and the Asian average of 68%.
Religious giving remains prominent, with 24% donating to religious causes, above global and Asian averages, reflecting the close alignment between charities, zakat and other faith-linked giving channels.
In value terms, people in the UAE donated an average of 1.4% of income, a sharp decline from 1.9% in 2024, a significant year-on-year contraction in donation levels. Nevertheless, giving as a share of income remains well above both the global average (1.0%) and the regional average (1.2%).
Motivations for giving are led by religion, duty and a desire to make a difference, suggesting that charitable intentions are driven by a balanced mix of obligation, values and agency.
Notably, 38% of respondents volunteered for environmental causes, yet only 16% donated financially, indicating that these issues are perceived more as an opportunity for participation than a funding priority.
The UAE stands out for its outward-looking generosity, with 28% of donations directed to charities working overseas, double the global average. This is consistent with the country’s strong international aid profile and may also be explained by the high number of overseas workers who typically send money in response to humanitarian crises back home.
Trust levels are comparatively high, with 40% believing charities have a very positive impact in local communities, around twice the global average, although UAE donors continue to call for greater transparency around impact.
Finally, government influence remains significant. More than one third (35%) of respondents strongly agreed that the Government encourages charitable giving, more than double the global average, highlighting the impact of initiatives such as the Ministry of Community Empowerment’s newly-launched NPO Empowerment Fund.
How often did you give money away in 2025, either to charity, a person or family in need, or to a religious organisation?
The average proportion of income people gave to each of the three donation routes, and overall.
What would you say are the main reasons that you gave / did not give money away in 2025?
Which cause(s) did you donate to / do unpaid voluntary work for in 2025?
Of the total value of your donations to charities in 2025, approximately how much went to each of the following?
To what extent, if at all, have charities had a positive or negative impact in your local community, or have they made no difference?
For the last charity that you gave money to, how did you first find out about them?
How trustworthy do you tend to find each of these types of charities?
How could charities encourage you to donate in 2026?
Of the xx% that did unpaid, voluntary work in 2025 that benefitted people other than their family or friends, how many shifts did they do?
Think about the opportunities you have to get involved in making positive changes to society (whether locally or further afield). Which best describes your perspective?
"The Government encourages people to give to charity." Do you...
Circle is a community platform committed to enhancing the impact and effectiveness of philanthropy throughout the Middle East and beyond. Initiated with funding by the Gates Foundation, our mission is to foster a more collaborative, strategic, and results-driven philanthropic ecosystem.
We connect donors, foundations, nonprofits, and social enterprises to build strong networks, share actionable knowledge, and generate insights that amplify giving across the region. By working together, we aim to unlock the full potential of philanthropy and create a powerful multiplier effect for social good.
The Circle website offers a trusted hub of curated resources — from practical how-to guides and real-world case studies to expert-led workshops, podcasts, databases, and exclusive member events. All content is available in English and Arabic.
Circle is a community platform committed to enhancing the impact and effectiveness of philanthropy throughout the Middle East and beyond. Initiated with funding by the Gates Foundation, our mission is to foster a more collaborative, strategic, and results-driven philanthropic ecosystem.
We connect donors, foundations, nonprofits, and social enterprises to build strong networks, share actionable knowledge, and generate insights that amplify giving across the region. By working together, we aim to unlock the full potential of philanthropy and create a powerful multiplier effect for social good.
The Circle website offers a trusted hub of curated resources — from practical how-to guides and real-world case studies to expert-led workshops, podcasts, databases, and exclusive member events. All content is available in English and Arabic.
