How to donate or ask for financial help legally in the UAE
Charitable activities are regulated in the UAE, here’s how you can help
Dubai: If you are in need of financial support, or looking to do some good by donating to a worthy cause, it is important to note that charitable activities are regulated in the Emirates. While begging is considered a criminal activity, charitable organisations across the UAE can be contacted whether you are in need of help, or looking to offer some. Here is all you need to know about donating or asking for financial help in the UAE.
Donating and raising funds
Donating and receiving charity – whether through financial support, or in kind – is regulated in the UAE to ensure those genuinely in need of help are able to get it and the goodwill of the community members is not exploited by malicious operators.
In the UAE, to raise funds for a cause, you would need to obtain the approval of General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments at the national level or Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai. After obtaining the approval, the initiative must be in co-operation with licensed charity associations.
The UAE has also banned calling for, promoting and collecting donations through online channels, without first obtaining proper licensing from the competent authorities, as per Article 27 of the Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes.
If you wish to donate clothes, shoes or other items, you can do so by depositing them in the charity boxes located across the UAE in public places and residential areas.
To donate money, community members have various options:
- At kiosks and stands located in shopping centres and malls.
- Through online payment – charitable organisations as well as government apps like DubaiNow offer users the option to donate any amount of money to causes of their choice.
Financial sponsorship to the needy
You can provide financial sponsorship through Emirates Red Crescent Authority to:
- Poor families
- People of determination
- Orphans
- Needy students.
- Prisoner care and support – As per Federal Law No. 2 of 2001, Ministry of Community Development provides monthly assistance to the families of prisoners. You can contribute to the care and rehabilitation of prisoners and their families.
Begging is not allowed
The UAE’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) regularly runs anti-begging campaigns, especially during the month of Ramadan, when, according to the Ministry, there is an influx of people arriving in the country as part of an elaborate bid to raise funds.
The 'Fight Begging' campaign is initiated by MOI to combat this phenomenon, and raise security awareness in the community.
By regulating charitable activities, authorities aim to fight begging and help those who deserve charity.
MOI urges community members to report beggars through the following channels:
Abu Dhabi on 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai on 800243
Sharjah on 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah on 072053372
Ajman on 067401616
Umm Al Quwain on 999
Fujairah on 092051100 or 092224411
Who can I reach out to?
Whether you are looking to get financial support or hoping to help a family or individual in need, these are the government entities responsible for social, charitable and humanitarian work within and outside the UAE:
Ministry of Community Development
Call: 800623
Email: society@mocd.gov.ae
Website: www.mocd.gov.ae
Zakat Fund
Call: 800 8222
Email: zakatfund@zakatfund.gov.ae
Website: www.zakatfund.gov.ae
National Rehabilitation Centre
Call: 800 2252
Email: info@nrc.ae
Website: www.nrc.ae
Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD)
Call: 800 600
Email: mail@iacad.gov.ae
Website: www.iacad.gov.ae
Community and Development Authority
Call: 800 2121
Email: info@cda.gov.ae
Website: www.cda.gov.ae
Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an
Call: 02 777 5555
Email: info@maan.gov.ae
Charitable organisations in the UAE:
Emirates Charity portal
Donate online: www.ecp.ae
Call: 800 600
Email: ecp@iacad.gov.ae
Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation
Call: 02 885 5555
Email: info@khalifafoundation.ae
Website: www.khalifafoundation.ae
The Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation
You can request for education, health or general help by visiting the website: www.zayedchf.gov.ae
You would need to provide your mobile number to create an account before you are able to apply for an assistance request.
Call: 02 657 7577
Email: ZayedCHF@zayed.org.ae
Emirates Red Crescent Authority
Call: 800 733
Email: hilal@rcuae.ae
Website: www.rcuae.ae
You can donate online, by visiting the website and selecting a charitable cause.
Al Maktoum Foundation
You can request for aid or provide support through the website: almaktoumfd.ae
Call: 04 398 8668
Email: hamdanfd@eim.ae
Dubai Cares
You can donate for various causes through the website: www.dubaicares.ae/supports-us/donate/
Call: 04 450 4550
Website: www.dubaicares.ae
Noor Dubai
Call: 800 633
Email: contact@noordubai.ae
Website: www.noordubai.ae
Dar Al Ber Society
Call: 800 79
Whatsapp: 052 6155550
Website: www.daralber.ae
Beit Al Khair Society
Call: 800 22554
Email: info@beitalkhair.org
Website: beitalkhair.org
Emirates Foundation
Call: 800-SHABAB (742222)
Email: information@emiratesfoundation.ae
Website: www.emiratesfoundation.ae
Sharjah Charity International
Call: 800 14
Email: info@shjc.sharjah.ae
Website: www.shjc.sharjah.ae
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
Call: 06 567 1117, 06 566 0667
Email: Info@schs.ae
Website: www.schs.ae/en
Human Appeal International
Call: 800 5 666
You can also donate through the website: www.ico.org.ae/ae/
Fujairah Welfare Association
Call: 800 8844
Email: info@fujcharity.ae
Website: www.fujcharity.ae
Al Ihsan Charity Association
Call: 800 16
Whatsapp: 056 992 1000
Website: www.alihsan.ae
Al Rahma for Charity, Ras Al Khaimah
Call: 07 2352499
Email: info@rahmah.ae
UAE Water Foundation (Suqia)
Call: 04 601 9999
Email: info@suqia.ae
Website: www.suqia.ae
Volunteers.ae
Call: 800-VOLAE (86523)
Email: info@volunteers.ae
Website: www.volunteers.ae
Ewa’a Shelters for Women and Children
Call: 800 SAVE (7283)
Email: ewaa@shwc.ae
Website: www.shwc.ae
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children
Call: 04 606 0300
Email: help@dfwac.ae
Website: https://www.dfwac.ae/