Ministry of Awqaf Announces Winners of Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani Waqf Award

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs announced the winners of the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani Waqf Award on July 22, 2026. The Ministry stated, "The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs announced today the names of the winners of the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani Waqf Award for its current session, at the global and local levels." Qatari researcher Ahmed Moajab Dir' Al Dir' Al Dosari won the second session of the Local Award, which focused on "Social Media and its Impact on the Cultural Identity of Qatari Society." This local award carries a significant prize of 200,000 Qatari Riyals, recognizing outstanding contributions to Qatari societal understanding. Mr. Mishari Ali Al-Namlan noted the award's expansion, stating, "The Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani Waqf Award has become a leading cultural reference, and is no longer limited to one award, but includes three branches: the Global Award, the Local Award, and the Imams Award." This expansion shows the award's growing influence and full approach to Islamic thought and cultural development.

Awarded Winners and Themes

The 16th session of the Global Award, centered on "Jurisprudence of Social Relations in Light of the Stories of the Holy Quran," recognized two distinct winners for their scholarly work. Dr. Ahmed Dheeb from Algeria and Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Yahya from Yemen jointly received the honor for their exceptional research in this field. Both Dr. Dheeb and Dr. Yahya were awarded 100,000 Qatari Riyals each for their contributions to the Global Award, acknowledging the high caliber of their submissions. In contrast, the local award carries a prize of 200,000 Qatari Riyals, reflecting its distinct focus and impact within Qatari society. The global award attracted a substantial pool of talent, with over 70 researchers from 16 countries competing in this prestigious session, noting its international reach and academic significance.

The Imams Award, a newer addition to the program, has established its initial themes to guide future research and contributions. Its first session addressed "Value Security in Muslim Society, the Role of the Imam and Preacher in Protecting Identity, Morals, and Culture," emphasizing the foundational role of religious leaders. For its upcoming second session, the Imams Award will focus on "Manufacturing Role Models.. Scientific, Educational, and Moral Building of the Imam and Preacher's Personality." This thematic progression indicates a sustained emphasis on the role of religious leaders in societal development and identity preservation, fostering a deeper understanding of their responsibilities and influence. The deadline for submitting research for the first and second sessions of the Imams Award is January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028, respectively, providing ample time for scholars to prepare their submissions.

Award's Significance and Scope

The Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani Waqf Award has been running for nearly three decades, establishing its presence in the cultural and Islamic thought landscape as a consistent beacon of scholarly recognition. This long history shows its enduring commitment to fostering intellectual and cultural advancement. For the global award, over 70 researchers from 16 countries competed in the current session, demonstrating its wide international appeal and the diverse perspectives it attracts. In parallel, nine researchers participated in the local award, focusing on issues pertinent to Qatari society. The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has described the award as having become a leading cultural reference in the region, a testament to its impact and reputation.

The award now includes three distinct branches: the Global Award, the Local Award, and the Imams Award, reflecting its expanded scope and categories. This full structure allows the award to cater to a broader spectrum of intellectual contributions. It is recognized as the first and largest refereed Waqf award in Qatar dedicated to culture, advocacy, and Islamic thought, a distinction that notes its pioneering role and substantial influence. This structure allows the award to encompass a broader range of contributions, from international research to local societal impacts and the specific roles of religious leaders, ensuring a holistic approach to promoting Islamic values and knowledge.

Future Sessions and Expansion

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has approved topics for the next three sessions of the Global Award, outlining a forward-looking agenda. The 17th session will focus on "The Islamic Nation and the Post-Globalization Era.. A Foresight Study," encouraging critical analysis of contemporary global challenges. This will be followed by "Artificial Intelligence and Technology Ethics in Islamic Thought" for the 18th session, addressing the intersection of modern technology and Islamic principles. The 19th session will address "New Spiritual Thought and its Digital Impact in the Islamic World," exploring evolving spiritual practices in the digital age. Research submissions for these global award sessions are due on January 1, 2027, January 1, 2028, and January 1, 2029, respectively, providing a clear timeline for prospective researchers.

The Ministry also announced topics for forthcoming local award sessions, designed to address specific societal needs and cultural aspects within Qatar. The third session will explore "Friday Sermon and its Role in Reform.. Qatari Society as a Model," examining the sermon's influence on community development. While the fourth session is titled "Financial Education for Children According to the Islamic Approach and its Impact on Family Economy," emphasizing practical guidance for families. The fifth session will examine "The Value System in Qatari Society.. A Maqasid Study on Challenges and Prospects for Building," offering a full look at societal values. The deadline for submitting research for the first and second sessions of the Imams Award is January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028, respectively, ensuring a continuous pipeline of scholarly work in this vital area.

Starting from 2029, the total prize value for all three branches of the award will increase to 1.1 million Qatari Riyals, significantly enhancing the recognition and incentive for participants. From the same year, the number of winners for both the Global and Local awards will expand to three each, allowing for broader acknowledgment of outstanding contributions. Additionally, three separate prizes will be allocated for the Imams branch, reflecting a broader recognition of contributions in this category and further solidifying the award's commitment to supporting religious leadership.