"Community Development" in the emirate required obtaining a permit

8 entities in Abu Dhabi allowed to raise donations

The "Department" aims to preserve the funds of donors and ensure that they reach those who deserve them. From the source

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has identified eight entities in the emirate that are allowed to collect donations, including the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, the Authority for Social Contributions (Ma'an), the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Zayed bin Sultan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, the Faraj Fund, the Emirates Nature-WWF, the Smile Foundation, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Department confirmed that it is not permissible for any entity to establish, organize or carry out any act aimed at collecting donations in the emirate, except after obtaining a permit from the Department. Licensed entities, namely charities and federal, local and private bodies and institutions whose establishment, laws, decrees or decisions allow them to collect, receive and provide donations, are excluded because of their experience and capabilities to carry out such tasks. Individuals and natural persons are also prohibited from engaging in any fundraising activities.

She explained that as the organizer of the social sector agenda in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, it seeks to promote a culture of giving and community participation in accordance with the legal frameworks and legislation in force, as it regulates donation activities in the emirate, in order to preserve the funds of donors and ensure that they reach the beneficiaries of the real beneficiaries.

She pointed out that donations include all collected cash or in-kind funds, movable or fixed, including national currency, foreign currencies, bonds, sukuk and shares, in whatever form, including electronic and digital, in order to spend them on charity or to provide charitable or humanitarian services and assistance.

She pointed out that Federal Law No. 3 of 2021 regarding the regulation of donations, and Cabinet Resolution No. 96 of 2022 regarding the executive regulations of the same law, are one of the most important legal pillars in the UAE due to their link to charitable work inherent in society, and what requires protection from any form of exploitation.

Since the issuance of the law, the Department has worked to develop comprehensive frameworks and policies to ensure the application of the highest quality standards in terms of fundraising services in accordance with the regulations and articles of the law, in addition to launching a package of technical workshops in cooperation with strategic partners, in addition to preparing a guide for organizing donation funds in line with the standards set to maintain the appearance of the city.