The UAE Public Prosecution has clarified that initiating or promoting fundraising activities without securing the required licence constitutes a criminal offence, warning that violators may face legal consequences.
In a video released through its social media platforms as part of the Criminal Media Center’s “Awareness” campaign, the Public Prosecution highlighted the offence of soliciting or advertising donations without official authorisation.
It explained that any individual who creates, manages, supervises, or publishes content on a website, information network, or digital platform to call for or promote donations without a licence from the competent authority — or in breach of licensing conditions — is subject to penalties under Article 46 of Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes.
The publication of this legal guidance forms part of the Public Prosecution’s broader efforts to strengthen legal awareness across society and promote understanding of applicable UAE legislation, encouraging adherence to the rule of law.
Separately, the General Secretariat of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations issued a warning under its “Understand It Correctly” digital awareness campaign about the risks of transferring funds on behalf of others or collecting donations through social media groups, even for charitable purposes.
The Secretariat stressed that such practices could expose individuals to legal liability and raise suspicions, regardless of their intentions.
Dr Abdullah Al-Harbi, legal adviser at the General Secretariat, noted that the holy month of Ramadan typically sees a rise in individual initiatives aimed at assisting those facing financial hardship or humanitarian challenges.
He explained that some individuals establish groups on messaging applications such as WhatsApp to gather funds and transfer them to beneficiaries.
However, despite humanitarian motives, these actions may violate applicable laws and could result in organisers being summoned and questioned by authorities regarding the sources of funds, methods of collection, and channels of distribution.
He added that fundraising, even when intended for charitable causes, is governed by clear legal frameworks and must not be carried out on an individual or informal basis.
He urged those wishing to support people in need to channel their donations exclusively through officially licensed and authorised entities, and to refrain from creating groups or receiving funds without proper approval.
Under Federal Law No. (3) of 2021 on the Regulation of Donations, no entity may conduct or organise fundraising activities without first obtaining a permit from the competent authority.
Calling for or promoting donations through websites or digital networks without authorisation is considered a criminal offence under the law.
Article 46 of Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes stipulates penalties including imprisonment and/or fines for anyone who establishes, manages, supervises, or publishes content on electronic platforms to solicit donations without the necessary licence or in violation of its conditions.
