Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has signed a cooperation agreement with Maaref Business Services to develop a professional diploma programme in investment for non-profit and endowment organisations, as part of efforts to strengthen prominent partnerships between the academic sector and the business sector in support of sustainable development.

The agreement was signed at the University’s campus in Salmaniya, in the presence of His Excellency Dr Ghazi bin Abdulrahman Al Otaibi, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research, and His Excellency Mr Anas bin Fahd Al Dowayan, Chairman of the Board of Maaref Business Services. The agreement covers the development of the professional investment diploma for non-profit and endowment organisations, enabling professionals to enhance their skills in this vital field.

On the occasion, Dr Al Otaibi underscored the importance of this collaboration, stating: “This agreement represents a model of integration between academic institutions and private-sector companies, and contributes to developing the workforce in the non-profit sector through specialised, high-quality programmes that enhance their efficiency and ability to deliver impact.” 

He added: “This initiative comes within the University’s vision to achieve sustainable development and promote innovation in the non-profit sector, under the guidance and wise vision of His Excellency the University President, Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid.

For his part, Mr Al Dowayan expressed his delight at partnering with AGU, saying: “At Maaref, we believe in the importance of building specialised professional capacities. This agreement allows us to provide advanced educational and training solutions that support endowment and charitable organisations in achieving financial sustainability and amplifying their developmental impact.”

Programme Coordinator, Prof. Adel Ismail Al Alawi, noted that the programme was designed to meet the needs of those working in the non-profit sector, explaining: “We will focus on delivering advanced academic content that covers investment concepts, risk management, governance and financial technologies, in line with global best practices.”

He added: “The programme will comprise a set of study units covering multiple aspects of investment management, including risk management strategies, technology applications in investment, best practices in governance and other related topics. It will also offer trainees the opportunity to participate in workshops and discussion panels with experts in the field.”

The programme will be launched in a hybrid format that blends in-person learning with distance learning, making it accessible to participants from the GCC countries, the wider Arab world and internationally. This will enable interested professionals worldwide to join the programme and enhance their investment skills.

In the same context, Mr Tamer Al Tamimi, Chief Executive Officer of Maaref Business Services, explained that this collaboration represents a pioneering step towards empowering leaders in the non-profit sector, noting that the programme will provide a flexible educational platform that combines practical experience with a forward-looking vision, helping to raise the efficiency of employees and enable them to lead impactful investment projects.

Meanwhile, Prof. Waleed Khalil Zubari, Dean of the College of Education and Administrative & Technical Sciences, said: “This programme reflects our commitment to developing sustainable education and enhancing practical skills to serve the needs of Gulf and Arab societies in the field of investment. We aim to equip participants with modern concepts and tools needed to confront current challenges in the non-profit sector, thereby strengthening their positive impact on society.”

It is noteworthy that this professional diploma targets professionals currently working in awqaf (endowments), charitable organisations and non-profit institutions, as well as individuals seeking to bolster their skills in investment management, governance and community development related to non-profit organisations. It is also aimed at professionals in the financial and investment sector and entrepreneurs interested in social investments. The first cohort of this programme will commence in the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year.