Ramadan 2023: Can UAE residents distribute food for Iftar? Ministry clarifies rules, Dh500,000 fine for violators

Ramadan 2023: Can UAE residents distribute food for Iftar? Ministry clarifies rules, Dh500,000 fine for violators

Emiratis and expatriates are urged to not follow unlicensed fundraising campaigns, whether through social media or SMS text messages, in markets, shops and workplaces

Faithful at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. Photo: Shihab

Published: Mon 27 Mar 2023, 1:13 PM Last updated: Mon 27 Mar 2023, 1:14 PM

Emiratis and expatriates in the UAE race to do good deeds during the holy month of Ramadan. This is the month of generosity, and the UAE has in place a set of laws and rules that govern donations. The aim is to ensure that donors are protected from any form of exploitation and their contributions reach the beneficiaries.

The Ministry of Community Development has clarified the laws governing the process of collecting, receiving and making donations. Violators of the donations regulatory law face imprisonment and/or a Dh500,000 fine.

Hessa Abdul Rahman Tahlak, assistant undersecretary of Social Development at the ministry, highlighted the legal ways of donating:

In-kind or financial donations to licensed charities

Donate in boxes available in malls and public places

Prepare, purchase or distribute food to families in the neighbourhood

Distribute Iftar meals and dates to passers-by

Place water boxes in mosques.

None of the donations listed above violate