Charity in UAE During Ramadan: Legal and Banned Practices Explained
Generosity is a significant element for Muslims, in addition to fasting and offering prayers in Ramadan.
UAE fundraising during Ramadan 2024 must follow charity law guidelines or face significant fines. The UAE authorities have clarified fundraising laws before Ramadan and say violators will face fines of up to $54,000. In addition to fasting and offering prayers, generosity is significant for Muslims during the holy month.
A federal law by the United Arab Emirates authorities on fundraising aims to ensure that charity goes to the people who deserve it. UAE residents must donate only through licensed charitable organisations.
The Ministry of Community Development clarified that the law allows people to support and assist family members and friends who may be in need. Residents can also help out people in need within their neighbourhoodsRamadan
The Ministry's statement states, "There are no restrictions on collecting these donations as long as they are within the permissible limit—they must not reach the level of licenced charities' work." Several guidelines have also been laid out for restaurants. Restaurants can accept donations to prepare meals but are not authorised to distribute them independently. They must coordinate with charitable associations for such activities.
Moreover, individuals have been warned against participating in unlicensed or unreliable donation campaigns on social media, collecting funds from relatives and friends to deliver to charitable organisations domestically and internationally, and engaging in financial speculations or distributing revenues to members and employees of licensed entities. The law allows the donation of clothes and money to licenced charitable organisations and depositing donations in boxes available in public places.
On the other hand, if any individual residing in the United Arab Emirates region is found violating such laws, then penalties range from Dh200,000 to Dh500,000 in fines and imprisonment. Stay safe!