A Critical Review of Financial Sustainability and Modern Technologies in Islamic Charitable Organizations in the United Arab Emirates

This review article critically examines the literature on financial sustainability and the adoption of modern technologies in Islamic charitable organizations, with particular attention to the context of the United Arab Emirates. The analysis reveals that existing studies provide a broad yet fragmented understanding of financial sustainability, often addressing financial, technological, governance, and Islamic jurisprudential dimensions in isolation rather than within integrated analytical frameworks. Much of the literature remains descriptive and prescriptive, relying on generalized assumptions about institutional capacity and governance maturity, with limited empirical validation. Although income diversification, transparency, and governance are widely recognized as key determinants of sustainability, the mechanisms through which digital and financial technologies can operationalize these factors remain insufficiently explored. Moreover, technology-related studies tend to emphasize risks such as cybersecurity and fraud, frequently overlooking the strategic potential of fintech, digital platforms, and data-driven engagement. The review also identifies a significant contextual gap, as organization-level empirical research on Islamic charities in the UAE is scarce despite the country’s advanced digital infrastructure and regulatory support. Overall, the article highlights the need for integrated, empirically grounded, and Sharia-compliant sustainability models that link financial structures, technological innovation, and governance practices in Islamic charitable orginazations in UAE.