Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani (centre) with other officials participating in the event.
DOHA: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of the State of Qatar participated in the 38th meeting of the Standing Committee of Experts in Islamic Affairs and Endowments of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, via video conferencing.
The Qatari delegation was headed by Undersecretary of the Ministry H E Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani, and included Director of the Department of Islamic Affairs Mohammed bin Jaber Al Manaai, and Assistant Director General of the General Department of Endowments Eng. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Meer.
During the meeting, GCC experts discussed a wide range of working papers, research studies, and forward-looking proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation in Islamic and endowment affairs across the region. Key topics included the exchange of scientific research and best practices in the field of endowments through interactive seminars, as well as showcasing the experiences of member states in managing Islamic affairs. The committee also reviewed a proposal to establish a GCC Endowment Week to raise awareness and promote engagement with waqf initiatives.
Further discussions focused on developing standards and guidelines to enhance the imam’s role in community and social development, and on introducing a Charter for Intellectual Security for mosque imams, supported by performance and oversight indicators. Delegates also examined a working paper on the philosophy of energy attraction, along with proposals on the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence in the administration of Islamic affairs. In addition, the meeting reviewed technical manuals for the construction and development of mosques, aiming to standardize and improve infrastructure across the GCC.
The participation of Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf reflects the country’s active role in promoting collaboration and innovation in religious and endowment services, and its commitment to preserving Islamic values while adopting modern tools to support sustainable development in the region.
