UAE

Unauthorised Iftar meal distributors to be fined

DUBAI: Distribution of Iftar meals without a valid permit will be considered an unauthorised charitable act. This was announced by the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai (IACAD) in a press conference.

Ramadan started on March 23 (Thursday) and it is customary for Muslims to share their blessings with the less fortunate in the holy month through charity. However, if one wishes to do this by distributing Iftar meals in Dubai, one has to acquire the required permission.

Any individual, group or institution who distribute Iftar meals without the permit will be fined between AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 or will be jailed from 30 days up to a year.

The officials said that unlicensed collection of or advertisement for donations is also an offence and carries a minimum fine of AED 5,000 and a maximum penalty of AED 100,000. A person(s) found guilty can also be jailed for a minimum one month and a maximum 12 months.

Mohammed Mosabh Dahi, deputy director for charitable activities at the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, said:

“It (violation) will be included under the prohibition of any actions related to collecting donations or advertising through audio, visual, or print media without prior permission from the department and will expose the owner for legal accountability.”

“Violators will be referred to the competent judicial authorities, as stated in the decree regulating fundraising in the Emirate of Dubai for the year 2015,” added Dahi.

Explaining the reason behind the decision, the officials of Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities said that people’s health is of utmost importance and they want to ensure that the donated meals are safe to consume.

The IACAD officials also provided the details on how an individual, group or institution can apply to get a permit to donate Iftar meals.

How to apply