Anyone operating, sharing, or promoting an unlicensed donation platform in the UAE faces legal consequences.
UAE Public Prosecution warns against unlicensed fundraising
The UAE Public Prosecution has clarified that calling for or promoting fundraising activities without the required license constitutes a criminal offence, emphasizing that such conduct can lead to legal accountability.
In an awareness video released yesterday through its social media platforms as part of the Criminal Media Center’s “Awareness” campaign, the Public Prosecution highlighted the risks of inviting or promoting donations without proper authorization. It explained that anyone who creates, manages, supervises, or publishes content on a website, information network, or any digital platform to solicit or promote donations without a license from the competent authority—or in violation of licensing conditions—will face penalties under Article 46 of Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes.
This legal guidance is part of the Public Prosecution’s ongoing efforts to strengthen legal awareness across society and promote understanding of UAE legislation, fostering a culture where law is a way of life.
Financial transfers may expose “Good Samaritans” to legal accountability
The General Secretariat of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations warned yesterday, as part of its digital awareness campaign “Understand It Correctly”, about the legal risks of transferring funds on behalf of others or collecting donations via social media for charitable purposes or to assist those in need. The committee emphasized that such practices could expose individuals to legal liability and place them under scrutiny, even when carried out with good intentions.
Legal adviser Dr. Abdullah Al-Harbi noted that the holy month of Ramadan often sees a rise in personal initiatives aimed at supporting those in financial distress or humanitarian need. He explained that some people create groups on messaging apps like WhatsApp to collect and transfer funds to beneficiaries, which can inadvertently put them at legal risk.
Legal risks for unlicensed fundraising in the UAE
Despite their humanitarian intentions, individuals collecting or transferring funds for charitable purposes without proper authorization may be in clear violation of UAE law. Organizers could face summons and questioning by the authorities regarding the sources of funds, collection methods, and channels of disbursement.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Harbi, legal adviser at the General Secretariat of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations, emphasized that fundraising—even for charitable purposes—is governed by strict legal frameworks and must not be conducted individually or randomly. He urged those wishing to help people in need to channel donations exclusively through officially licensed and authorized entities, and to refrain from creating groups or collecting funds without proper authorization.
Federal law on donations
Under Federal Law No. (3) of 2021 on the Regulation of Donations, no entity is allowed to conduct or organize fundraising activities without a permit from the competent authority. Calling for or promoting donations through websites or digital networks without authorization constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law.
In addition, Article 46 of Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes stipulates imprisonment and/or fines for anyone who establishes, manages, supervises, or publishes content on electronic platforms to solicit or promote donations without obtaining a license or in violation of licensing conditions.
Risks of transferring funds on behalf of others
Dr. Abdullah Al-Harbi warned of the legal dangers associated with transferring funds on behalf of others. While some individuals may view this as a helpful service motivated by goodwill or the desire to earn reward, it can expose them to serious legal risks.
Under Federal Decree-Law No. (10) of 2025 on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations, a crime is established if a person knowingly—or when sufficient evidence or indicators suggest knowledge—transfers, moves, or conducts transactions involving funds derived wholly or partially from criminal activity with the intent to conceal or disguise them.
Liability also extends to anyone who allows others to use their bank account while knowing—or where sufficient indicators exist—that the account may be misused.
Al-Harbi emphasized that offenses can begin with seemingly simple acts, such as sending a message via a messaging app, sharing a transfer link, or publishing a bank account number on social media. He stressed the importance of legal awareness, particularly during periods marked by increased generosity and trust.
He urged individuals to exercise the utmost caution before making financial transfers on behalf of others and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the competent authorities, in order to protect both themselves and society from exploitation and legal risks.
