“This is the first time a nonprofit organization in the Arab region is receiving such a good international rating,” the governor said, adding that the GRA rating would encourage the society to achieve greater successes in social services and development.

“Our society’s future plans will focus on achieving sustainable development within the framework of its social responsibility,” Prince Mishaal said.

He said the society also received the Pioneer Award, which would encourage the organization to strengthen its capabilities to confront challenges, fulfill its commitments and realize its strategic objectives.

Saleh Al-Turki, a member of the society’s board of directors, said the organization intends to increase its annual spending on social development and service projects from SR16 million to SR40 million.

“We’ll continue to provide soft loans and support craftsmen and women,” Al-Turki said. A factory and a training center has been established to promote handicrafts. “We seek to achieve a balance between our revenue and ambitions.”

The society organizes the Forum for Sustainable Development after every two years. In addition to donations, the society’s revenue includes returns from the forum.

The society was established in 1998 on the initiative of former Makkah Gov. Prince Majed and it intends to promote sustainable development through exchange of expertise and capacity building.

Badr Al-Sahafi, director of charitable societies at the Social Affairs Ministry, said Prince Majed society has become a symbol for sustainable development. “It has achieved a lot in strengthening sustainable development in the Makkah province,” he added.