Illegal Ramadan Donations can get you Jail, up to Dh500,000 Fine in UAE

No doubt charity begins at home but if it does not abide by the law, it may land you in jail!

As gradually the end days of Ramadan draws near, authorities have been cracking down on illegal Ramadan donations. The Federal Public Prosecution has advised residents not to collect, promote or receive Ramadan donations, in cash or in any other form of funds, without getting a written consent from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. On doing so, get ready to pay heavy fine and serve time in jail.

Know the Law

Article 3(a) Section of the Donation Law of Dubai affirms:

“No donations may be raised, and no raising of donations may be permitted in the emirate or announced through print, audio, visual, or other means of communication and media, without first obtaining the written approval of the IACAD.”

Based on the above-mentioned law, you require approval from the IACAD or the GAIAE of the emirate if you intend to raise money through public. Without obtaining the proper permission and licensing from the authorities, it will be considered illegal to promote and collect donations online. To top it over, whoever violates the provisions of Donation Law of Dubai may be penalized. Fines range from Dh5,000 to Dh100,000 followed by imprisonment for not less than one month. However, you can personally support your friend financially or seek help from your family or friends to settle his outstanding credit card dues.

Charitable Societies

Begging is punishable by law. It is a negative phenomenon, which proliferates during Ramadan when beggars cash in on people’s sentiments. Those in need of help should be directed to charities and philanthropists. In fact there are 17 charitable societies in the city who wouldn’t hesitate to help needy citizens holding resident visas.

How to Donate legally?

There is no dearth of options when it comes to giving charity in the UAE. It’s certainly allowed but highly regulated. Residents can only donate to registered organisations and fundraisers must obtain the necessary approvals. Generally, charities accept Ramadan donations online, through bank accounts, via text messages, by phone and in person. Also, you can find cash donation boxes in shopping malls and supermarkets, and used items donation boxes throughout the emirate that goes to charities such as Beit Al Khair and Dar El Ber. But prior to donating, check whether the charity is licensed or not. Make sure that it has a permit number, Iacad and IHC. Legal charities will have their websites published in the official UAE government portal too

Authorized Charities in Dubai for Ramadan Donations

• Al Maktoum Foundation
• Beit Al Khair Society
• Dar Al Ber Society
• Dubai Charity Association
• Dubai Foundation For Women and Children
• Dubai Cares
• Emirates Red Crescent
• Mohammad Bin Rashid Charitable Humanitarian Foundation
• Noor Dubai Foundation

Authorized Charities in Abu Dhabi for Ramadan Donations

• Khalifa Foundation
• Red Crescent – Abu Dhabi
• Takatof, part of Emirates Foundation
• Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation
• Zayed Giving Initiative

Begging in Decline in Dubai

Most of the beggars are Asians and have passports issued with business or tourist visas. Majority of them had entered the country legally with a three-month visa with only one motive; to collect as much money as they could during their time here in UAE. Whereas, these beggars collect more money on Fridays begging in front of mosques, some who were caught revealed to have made a whopping Dh100,000 in just a month. However, the Dubai Police has launched an anti-begging campaign to combat begging in Dubai, especially just before and during Ramadan. Themed as ‘Together Against Begging’, the campaign aims at nabbing beggars and cracking down on begging during Ramadan. While Dubai Police carries out security and civilian patrols in areas where beggars are concentrated like markets, residential areas, Ramadan tents, mosques and parking spots, residents are also urged to participate in the campaign. Any such begging practice can be reported on hotline 901.You can also report beggars to the police on 800-243.

#DubaiPolice Launch an anti-begging campaign urging the public not to be sympathetic with beggars. Under the theme “Don't encourage beggars & be a turning point”, the public urged to donate only to recognized charitable organizations. pic.twitter.com/7aaxfbU0jV

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) May 5, 2019

Decline in Beggars

The numbers revealed by the Dubai Police shows a sharp decline in the number of beggars arrested over the years. In 2015, 1,405 beggars were caught while in 2016 the number decreased to 1,021. A further decline was seen in 2017 with 653 beggars arrested and last year, the numbers decreased to 243 beggars nabbed; out of which 136 were men and 107 women