Ministers responsible for Islamic affairs and endowments from the GCC met in Bahrain on 20 October 2026 for their 12th official gathering. This event, the 12th meeting of GCC ministers responsible for Islamic affairs and endowments, was held in Bahrain on October 20, 2026, to facilitate high-level policy dialogue. Qatar’s delegation arrived led by the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem. Qatar's delegation to the meeting was headed by Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem, who participated in the full review of regional strategies.
Bahrain's Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, stated that "joint GCC meetings reflect the directives of the GCC leaders to strengthen unity, integration and closer ties among member states." He added that "ministerial meetings on Islamic affairs and endowments had achieved significant progress in cooperation, coordination and the exchange of expertise, reinforcing GCC integration and the Council's role in serving the Islamic world." These sentiments were echoed by the various delegations present, who showed the necessity of collaborative governance in the management of religious and charitable institutions.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation Efforts
Delegates reviewed a proposal to launch a GCC Endowments Week as part of the formal meeting agenda. The meeting agenda included a proposal for a GCC Endowments Week to highlight the developmental role of endowments. This initiative aims to highlight the developmental role of endowments and their contribution to regional progress. Official discussions centered on how such a dedicated period could raise public awareness regarding the long-term benefits provided by these charitable assets across member states. By dedicating a specific week to this cause, the ministers intend to foster a deeper understanding of how endowments function as sustainable engines for social welfare.
Ministers also evaluated a plan to establish a standardized national indicator designed to measure the social impact of endowments. Ministers discussed establishing a national indicator to measure the social impact of endowments. This tool intends to provide a consistent framework for tracking how endowment resources affect local communities and support charitable projects within the GCC. Officials examined the technical requirements for implementing such metrics to ensure accurate reporting and improved transparency in the management of endowment funds. This data-driven approach is expected to provide a clearer picture of the efficacy of charitable programs currently operating under the purview of the respective ministries.
Architectural identity for mosque minarets in GCC countries served as another primary topic of deliberation. The meeting included discussions on a proposed architectural identity for mosque minarets in GCC countries. Participants discussed the potential for developing a unified or cohesive aesthetic approach for these structures to reflect regional heritage. The dialogue focused on identifying design elements that respect traditional Islamic architecture while maintaining a consistent visual presence for mosques across the various member states. By exploring these aesthetic guidelines, the ministers hope to preserve the cultural integrity of religious sites while ensuring that the architectural legacy of the region remains prominent in modern urban development. The conclusions reached during these sessions are intended to guide future collaborative projects among the member states.
