Raising finances and soliciting donations without an appropriate licence is unlawful in the UAE. Charitable organisations, federal and municipal governments, and non-profit organisations may only raise funds with the approval of the Ministry of Community Development. The UAE Public Prosecution cautioned citizens residing in the UAE to avoid supporting or promoting fundraising without a licence in a new social media post on Wednesday. If found guilty, the accused faces imprisonment and a fine of no less than AED 200,000 and no more than AED 500,000, or both punishments.
Anyone found guilty of operating a website or other IT or electronic means to promote the collection of donations without authorization from the relevant bodies faces fines and/or imprisonment. According to article 46 of Federal decree law No. 34 of 2021 on combating rumours or cybercrime, licenced businesses are not permitted to publish, broadcast, or promote any materials or advertising for fundraising without the consent of specified authorities, according to Zawya. As per the law, there are two types of charity entities: licenced and authorised entities established by laws, decisions, or decrees to collect, provide, and receive donations, and entities authorised to obtain a licence to collect donations and raise funds through listed charitable organisations in the UAE.
