As the authority commissioned to implement the social sector agenda in Abu Dhabi, the Department of Community Development, has stressed the importance of promoting a culture of giving that follows the legal frameworks of the Emirate in order to protect the donors’ contributions and ensure it reaches the parties that deserve it most.
Mahasin Al Hosani, Director of the Licensing Department at DCD, said that Federal Law No. 3 of 2021, concerning the regulation of donations, and Cabinet Resolution No. 96 of 2022, concerning the executive regulations of the same law, are considered important legal pillars in the country as they protect the charitable spirit inherent in UAE society from being exploited.
Al Hosani confirmed that no entity is allowed to establish, organize, or perform any act aimed at collecting donations in Abu Dhabi without obtaining a permit from DCD, with the exception of licensed entities such as charities, federal, local and civil bodies and other institutions that are allow them. It’s important to note that there are laws, decrees and decisions that have been established for the collection, receiving and making of donations.
The entities licensed to receive donations in Abu Dhabi include the Emirates Red Crescent, Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable & Humanitarian Foundation, Faraj Fund, Emirates Nature-WWF, Operation Smile UAE, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The law also defines the authorized entities and people who are granted permission by the authority to collect donations in accordance with the provisions of these regulations. These entities must obtain a permit from the DCD in accordance with the requirements specified in the federal law and its regulations.