UAE: Fines up to Dh300,000 for paying restaurants to prepare iftar meals; Abu Dhabi residents warned – News

Individuals are encouraged to donate and make charitable contributions through licensed entities

Residents have been asked not to pay restaurants and caterers to prepare iftar meals distributed in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Community Development (DCD) emphasized that any charitable and financial contributions must be made through licensed entities in Abu Dhabi.

“Any entity that collects or accepts donations without permission will be punished with imprisonment and a fine of not less than Dh150,000 and not more than Dh300,000,” the DCD stated.

The ministry stressed that outsourcing and paying for restaurants to prepare iftar meals is a violation of Federal Law No. (3) of 2021 and its bylaws, which regulate fundraising and donations in the UAE.

“Individuals who wish to make a charitable donation may do so by making an in-kind or cash donation to a fundraising licensed entity or a regulated donation box,” the department said in a statement.

The DCD emphasizes the importance of establishing a culture of giving in accordance with legal frameworks and legislation.

“This helps to regulate donations by protecting donor funds and ensuring that they reach the correct beneficiaries. Whereas the department believes that preparing, buying and distributing iftar meals to nearby families, or distributing meals and dates to passers-by, or The custom of pouring water in mosques, as long as no money or donations of any kind are collected for illegal purposes,” the ministry clarified.

“No act aimed at collecting donations shall be established, organized or performed in Abu Dhabi without the permission of the DCD, except for fundraising licensed entities which are charitable, federal, local and civic institutions as permitted by law and which collect, receive and donations,” the DCD added.