Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Collecting or receiving donations without a permit or illegal fundraising in the UAE is punishable with jail time and a fine of up to Dh300,000, authorities said. Under the UAE Federal Law on the Regulation of Fundraising Activities, licenced entities must obtain a fundraising permit from authorities. Fundraising activities must also be carried out through charitable organisations. Hessa Abdul Rahman Tahlak, Assistant Under-Secretary for Community Development, said any attempt by individuals to connect donations by any means of advertising, including social media or websites, is a punishable offence under the fundraising regulations law. “The law stipulates that violators shall be subject to imprisonment and a fine of not less than Dh150,000 and not more than Dh300,000 or one of the two penalties, without prejudice to any more severe penalty stipulated by another law, as well as the confiscation of the collected donations by the court.” The Department of Community Development (DCD) Abu Dhabi said violations include “establishing, organising, or performing any act” without a permit from relevant authorities. “Individuals who would like to make charitable contributions can do so through in-kind or cash donations made to fundraising licensed entities or regulated donation boxes,” the DCD said in a statement. “This helps regulate donations by protecting donor’s funds and ensuring they reach the right beneficiaries,” it added. ICA/Expat Media
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