The Founder

Sheikh Sulaiman Al Rajhi was born in 1348 AH (1929 CE) in the city of Al Bukayriyah. He grew up in a poor family and under difficult circumstances. He began his working life early, taking on several humble jobs such as porter, ash picker, cook, and market guard. Thanks to his determination and perseverance, he later became one of the world's most prominent businessmen. This early period formed the solid foundation for his career, where he learned the value of diligence, patience, and starting from scratch. Over the years, Sheikh Sulaiman was able to transform those humble beginnings into an inspiring success story, building his commercial projects and establishing innovative management models that contributed to the growth and expansion of his businesses, making him one of the most prominent economic and philanthropic figures in the Kingdom and the Islamic world.

Charitable work was an integral part of Sheikh's life from a young age. He began by personally distributing Zakat (obligatory alms), then established his first charitable committee in 1403 AH (1983 CE). This later evolved into an office, and then into a formal institution, officially registered in 1421 AH (2000 CE) under the name: Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi Charitable Foundation. Over time, this individual generosity transformed into a comprehensive institutional effort based on governance, planning, and measurement. This enabled Sheikh to build a pioneering charitable model that addresses the root causes of need and contributes to sustainable development. With the establishment of the Foundation, charitable work became more organized and widespread, extending its impact to various regions of the Kingdom through high-quality developmental, educational, and health programs.

The Sheikh dedicated the bulk of his wealth, establishing one of the largest endowments in Islamic history. He personally oversees and manages the endowment's investments according to a professional system, ensuring its sustainability and benefiting thousands of workers and beneficiaries. This endowment was the culmination of the Sheikh's conviction that giving should not cease with the passing of its founder, but rather should continue through a sustainable system that effectively manages funds and directs them towards the most impactful areas. For many years, the endowment has contributed to funding educational, developmental, and healthcare projects, becoming a global model for endowment management and investment that achieves a long-term impact on society.

The legacy of Sheikh Sulaiman Al Rajhi embodies the depth of institutional giving, combining a deep belief in the mission with a modern vision of sustainability. The foundation's impact has extended to a wide range of beneficiaries across the Kingdom, encompassing programs in education, health, community development, family empowerment, and non-profit organizations. This widespread reach reflects Sheikh Al Rajhi's vision that development should be accessible to all, and that true philanthropy is that which addresses the needs of people in both cities and villages, creating a clear and measurable impact.