Regulation for Dubai community charities

Organisations in Dubai involved in community activities will now have to register with the Community Development Authority, which will monitor their financial resources.

A new law issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, aims to regulate all non- profit organisations that carry out communitybased activities in the areas of education, health, art, social development and vocational skills.

The law prohibits any donation collection or advertising for fundraising activities through any media channels or social media platforms without the authority’s permission.

Under the law, community groups cannot work with other associations or open branches outside the country without first registering with the authority.

To register, groups must meet criteria including having a headquarters and an executive board of at least 10 members, including two Emiratis. The licences are renewed annually.

The community associations will be required to deposit all cash in an account at a Dubai-licensed local bank.

Money raised by the association can be spent only on the purposes behind its establishment, but can invest excess cash after gaining permission from the authority, reported the state news agency Wam.

Offenders face a fine of between Dh500 and Dh100,000 and in the event that the offence is repeated within a year, the fine will be doubled.