In a strategic move aimed at restructuring and regulating the charitable sector in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in cooperation with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), announced the transfer of all services from the national donations platform “Tabarru’” to the national charitable work platform “Ihsan.” This measure aims to unify official donation channels under one umbrella, thereby enhancing the efficiency and transparency of charitable work and aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Historical background and context of digital transformation
Philanthropy has always been an integral part of the social and cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia, driven by religious values and societal traditions. With the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has undergone a comprehensive digital transformation across all sectors, including the non-profit sector. The “Tabarru’” platform was established in 2020 as a national portal under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, serving as a reliable link between donors and charitable organizations. In 2021, the “Ihsan” platform was launched by royal decree and under the direct supervision of the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), becoming a more comprehensive and advanced platform that leverages the latest data and artificial intelligence technologies to maximize the impact of donations and ensure they reach those in need as quickly as possible.
The importance of integration and its expected impact
Integrating donation services into the Ihsan platform is not merely a technical change, but a fundamental step towards establishing governance and transparency principles in the sector. By consolidating efforts on a single platform, donors will be able to access all credible charitable opportunities and projects in one place, with the ability to track their donations and view regular impact reports. This enhances donor confidence and encourages them to give more. Locally, this integration will facilitate faster and more effective access to support for millions of beneficiaries across the Kingdom, as Ihsan uses data to prioritize and direct resources to those most in need.
National and international dimensions of the step
This step aims to achieve key national goals, most notably increasing the contribution of the non-profit sector to the GDP and strengthening social solidarity. Furthermore, the existence of a unified and technologically advanced national platform enhances the Kingdom's standing on the international stage in the field of humanitarian and charitable work. Applying the highest standards of transparency and governance contributes to improving the Kingdom's ranking in the World Giving Index and provides a model for how technology can be utilized to serve charitable work. Thus, this integration not only serves domestic development goals but also reflects the Kingdom's progressive image as a leading nation in organized and institutionalized philanthropy.
