Zakat distribution explained: Funding medical aid, housing, and more
Dubai: The UAE has introduced a new digital system to organise and monitor zakat donations, giving contributors greater visibility into where their money goes and how it is used. Launched on February 10, the National Zakat Platform aims to regulate the collection and distribution of zakat across the country, providing a transparent and structured way to support approved causes.
The platform allows donors to track project progress, monitor spending, and see how funds are allocated, ensuring that contributions reach eligible beneficiaries efficiently.
What is Zakat and who needs to pay it?
Zakat on wealth (Zakat al-Mal) is a mandatory annual payment for adult Muslims who own qualifying assets for a full lunar year. Calculated at 2.5 per cent of eligible wealth, it is one of the core pillars of Islam.
It typically applies to:
- Cash savings
- Gold and silver
- Investments
- Business assets and property exceeding the Nisab threshold
The purpose of zakat is to purify wealth while providing financial support to those in need. Although it can be paid at any time during the year, many Muslims choose to give during Ramadan due to the month’s heightened spiritual significance.
What the new platform aims to do
The initiative goes beyond merely collecting zakat. Its objectives include:
- Ensure accurate data and financial transparency
- Track how funds move and are distributed
- Monitor projects supported by zakat
- Confirm donations reach eligible recipients
Authorities say the system is designed to prevent misuse of funds and ensure that zakat is not diverted to unlawful activities. The platform also cautions that collecting or distributing zakat without proper licensing is a violation of federal law and may carry penalties. These regulations are intended to protect both donors and beneficiaries while maintaining trust in the zakat system.
Where zakat funds are directed
Through the platform, donations are channelled into approved social and humanitarian projects, including:
- Support for orphans
- Assistance programmes for people of determination
- Financial help for school students
- Aid for individuals in debt
- Housing support for low-income families
- Medical bills and treatment
Each campaign provides detailed information on how contributions will be used, along with updates on project progress, giving donors full visibility and assurance that their zakat reaches those in need.
How to donate through the platform
Donors can make payments quickly and conveniently using the online system:
- Select a specific campaign and donate a set amount
- Choose multiple campaigns and add them to a virtual cart
- Complete a single combined payment for several causes
The digital process is designed to make zakat contributions more structured, transparent, and easier to manage for residents across the United Arab Emirates, giving donors full visibility and confidence that their contributions reach eligible beneficiaries.
