New Dubai fundraising law-What education institutions need to know

Analysis

A new Decree has been issued in Dubai regulating fundraising in the Emirate of Dubai (Dubai Decree No 9/2015). In summary, the law states that approval must be sought from the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) before any fundraising activity is carried out. Fundraising, the authorisation of fundraising or the announcement of fundraising are prohibited unless there is prior approval from IACAD.

The new law applies to all "Donations" collected in whatever way and for whatever purpose anywhere in Dubai. "Donations" are defined as any "Property" voluntarily given by the donor as beneficence, kindness, assistance or charity. The term "Property" is translated as being anything with a material or monetary value. The new law would therefore cover monetary donations and the donation of goods in kind, which has also been confirmed to us by IACAD.