King Khalid foundation announces 2025 award winners and unveils plans for future expansion
Riyadh – The King Khalid Foundation announced the winners of the 2025 King Khalid Award during a ceremony in Riyadh on Monday, recognizing leading contributors in development, sustainability and nonprofit excellence.
The event also highlighted the foundation’s plans to expand award categories in the coming years to better reflect the Kingdom’s evolving national priorities.
Speaking during the ceremony at the foundation’s headquarters, Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz emphasized the award’s role in supporting national development efforts.
He noted that the award continues to focus on sustainability across multiple sectors, ensuring long-term impact for the projects and initiatives it recognizes.
Prince Faisal said that the award will broaden its scope beginning next year, with new categories dedicated to tourism and culture.
He explained that these additions reflect the Kingdom’s growing emphasis on cultural development and economic diversification.
Established in memory of the late King Khalid, who ruled Saudi Arabia from 1975 to 1982, the award has honored national leaders for more than a decade.
Its mission focuses on driving meaningful progress by acknowledging individuals and institutions that address complex social, economic and environmental challenges.
In the Development Partners category, first place was awarded to the Moddakir application, which provides digital tools for teaching the Holy Qur’an.
Hakina for Social Business secured second place, while the Waqf Maqaad Initiative earned third for its contributions to community development and charitable work.
The Sustainability category recognized organizations that demonstrated strong environmental and social responsibility.
STC claimed first place, followed by the Saudi Arabian Mining Company in second place and Alinma Bank in third.
For the Nonprofit Excellence Award, the Eastern Province Orphan Care Charity earned top honors for its dedicated community service programs.
The Hafr Al-Batin Orphan Care Association received second place, while the Al-Ahsa Charity Association came in third for its operational impact and service delivery.
Saud Al-Shammari, secretary-general of the King Khalid Award, highlighted the award’s contribution to strengthening the Kingdom’s nonprofit ecosystem.
He explained that the foundation supports the sector through research, strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives designed to enhance institutional performance.
Al-Shammari noted that nonprofit organizations recognized by the award receive both financial support and nationwide visibility.
He added that the evaluation process examines key criteria such as governance, sustainability, capital growth, social impact and the organization’s ability to attract donors.
He emphasized that nonprofit entities may generate revenue, but all funds must be reinvested into programs that benefit local communities.
This approach ensures that organizations maintain a strong commitment to their social missions and long-term community impact.
The King Khalid Award serves as a strategic national platform that encourages innovation across the nonprofit and private sectors.
It aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting excellence, enhancing social development and supporting models that contribute to national progress.
Over the years, the award has played an essential role in raising standards within the Kingdom’s development and nonprofit sectors.
By recognizing outstanding institutions and initiatives, the foundation encourages continuous improvement and inspires wider participation in community-oriented work.
As the award expands into new sectors, its organizers aim to highlight emerging areas of national importance and support projects that contribute to the Kingdom’s broader transformation goals.
With new categories set to launch soon, the foundation is preparing to deepen its impact and further empower institutions working toward sustainable development.
