Sharjah, United Arab Emirates – 3 November 2026 

UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund has won the 2026 Sharjah Government Communication Award in the category of “Best Innovative Communication Initiative for Community Empowerment”, in recognition of its efforts to drive innovation, build strategic partnerships and mobilize support for refugees and internally displaced people around the world. 

The recognition comes ahead of the Fund’s tenth anniversary, marking nearly a decade of work to strengthen the role of Islamic philanthropy in responding to humanitarian needs and expanding solidarity with refugee and displaced communities. 

Impact beyond the numbers 

Since its establishment in 2017, the Refugee Zakat Fund has raised more than USD 321 million from over 70,000 donors, helping provide assistance to more than 10.5 million refugees and internally displaced people worldwide through Zakat and Sadaqah contributions. 

This impact highlights the importance of partnerships with donors and charitable institutions, and their role in turning the values of generosity and solidarity into tangible support for people most in need. 

Commenting on the recognition, Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor to the High Commissioner and UNHCR Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said: 

“This recognition reflects the success of the Refugee Zakat Fund and the generosity of the partners and donors whose support has helped deliver assistance to millions of refugees and internally displaced people around the world.” 

Recognizing innovation and community engagement  

The Sharjah Government Communication Award is organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The award recognizes outstanding and innovative communication initiatives that enhance community participation and contribute to positive social change. 

This achievement recognizes UNHCR’s efforts to develop an innovative, trusted and effective approach to Islamic philanthropy, while strengthening partnerships and fostering solidarity with refugees and displaced people around the world.