Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Why you can’t pay restos for iftar giveaways

UAE residents have been told to refrain from paying restaurants to prepare iftar meals for distribution in Abu Dhabi, with authorities warning of hefty fines for violators. The Department of Community Development (DCD) Abu Dhabi stressed that any charitable donations must be made only through licensed entities in Abu Dhabi. “Imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh150,000 and no more than Dh300,000 will be imposed on any entity collecting or receiving donations without obtaining a permit,” according to the DCD. The DCD noted that outsourcing or paying restaurants to prepare iftar meals for distribution is a violation of the UAE federal law on fundraising and donations. “Establishing, organising, or performing any act aimed at collecting donations in Abu Dhabi is not allowed without a permit from the DCD,” according to the department. The DCD, however, clarified that people may distribute iftar to families in their neighbourhood, or to passers-by “as long as they do not collect any money or donations for illegal purposes.” ICA/Expat Media
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