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The UAE Public Prosecution issued a clarification on February 26 2026 stating that unlicensed fundraising constitutes a criminal offence. The announcement came through an awareness video within the authority’s broader Awareness campaign designed to promote legal awareness among residents. Individuals who establish oversee or promote donation drives on any digital platform without securing approval from the relevant authorities risk penalties under cybercrime provisions the Public Prosecution explained. The guidance further noted that transferring money or gathering contributions for third parties carries potential legal exposure regardless of intent.
The penalties are outlined in Article 46 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes which the Public Prosecution cited directly. Official text of the decree specifies imprisonment along with fines ranging from 200000 to 500000 dirhams for such violations. The provision targets activities conducted via websites information networks or information technology means that call for or advance donation collection absent proper licensing the law text shows.
This clarification aligns with Federal Law No. 3 of 2021 Regulating Donations that establishes the framework for authorised charitable collections across the country the Public Prosecution indicated. The National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism has previously issued similar alerts to prevent exploitation of goodwill for illicit purposes the authority added in its video. Such measures help channel philanthropic efforts through regulated entities and reduce risks associated with unregulated appeals according to the campaign material.
An assessment from the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law reported that around 19 organisations hold licences from Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department for public charitable work. Additional licensing bodies operate in other emirates including the Community Development Authority in Abu Dhabi according to the same review of UAE philanthropy regulations. These licensed groups must comply with strict oversight to maintain transparency in fundraising and fund allocation the center’s report detailed.
UAE philanthropy has shown robust growth with residents allocating an average of 1.92 percent of their income to charitable causes a Circle Network giving report from the prior year found. The high level of generosity underscores the importance of regulatory structures that the government has expanded in recent years to support the sector. Official data from the philanthropy assessment highlighted how clearer rules build donor confidence and direct funds effectively to verified causes.
The cybercrime law itself entered into force in January 2022 as a comprehensive tool to address digital offences including misinformation and unauthorised online activities uaelegislation records indicate. By linking fundraising rules to this statute the authorities aim to deter cyber-enabled financial crimes while preserving avenues for legitimate giving the Public Prosecution stated. The latest awareness effort builds on prior warnings and seeks to reinforce compliance with approved channels for all forms of donation activity.
