New Digital Platform Guarantees Transparent and Sharia-Compliant Zakat Distribution
The UAE on Tuesday launched the National Zakat Platform, an official digital channel designed to receive and manage zakat funds from individuals and companies across the country with full transparency and in accordance with Islamic law.
The platform was unveiled by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat during a ceremony attended by Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the Authority; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment; Dr Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrui, Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent; Ahmed Rashid Al Neyadi, Director-General of the Authority; Dr Issa Saif bin Handhal, Chairman of the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah; as well as representatives of charitable organisations and partner entities.
Strengthening governance and accountability
Dr Al Darei described zakat as a “sacred trust” towards the nation, society, donors and beneficiaries alike. He said the launch of the platform reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing accountability, and ensuring that zakat funds are distributed efficiently and in full compliance with Sharia principles.
The new system aims to unify zakat collection under a single official channel, streamline donation processes, and reinforce public confidence through transparent oversight and structured distribution mechanisms.
Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei stressed that the objective of the platform goes beyond simply collecting zakat or encouraging compliance. “The goal is to ensure precision in data, clarity in financial flows, proper statistical tracking, and full certainty that funds reach eligible recipients,” he said.
He added that strong institutional governance, transparency, and robust data systems are essential to prevent misuse or diversion of zakat funds to unlawful activities. “Without accurate oversight of zakat resources and their distribution, the system remains vulnerable to ambiguity,” he noted, highlighting the importance of structured monitoring and accountability in the management of charitable contributions.
First Step in Digital Transformation
Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei described the initiative as the first step in a broader digital transformation journey for zakat management in the UAE. He emphasized that the National Zakat Platform will lay the foundation for modernising processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring accurate oversight of zakat funds across the country.
Dr Al Darei said technology will help simplify procedures for donors, ensure accuracy in execution, and align the performance of this religious duty with the country’s broader development goals.
He also underscored the importance of partnerships in making the platform successful, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Community Development for overseeing charitable associations and to the UAE Council for Sharia Fatwa for providing scholarly guidance that supports flexible and effective implementation.
Unified National Umbrella
Ahmed Rashid Al Neyadi, Director-General of the Authority, outlined the legal framework behind the platform, emphasizing that professional zakat management represents a significant national development opportunity.
He explained that the platform serves as a unified umbrella for all licensed entities authorized to collect and distribute zakat, enhancing coordination, efficiency, and impact.
“It ensures zakat reaches its rightful beneficiaries with fairness and accuracy, while strengthening social stability and improving the quality of life for thousands of families,” he said.
The launch programme included a detailed presentation explaining how the platform operates, along with a segment by the UAE Council for Sharia Fatwa on governance methodologies for charitable work. Partners and contributors were honoured at the conclusion of the event.
The Authority urged all entities currently engaged in zakat collection or distribution to regularise their status and register on the National Zakat Platform within the timeframe to be announced through official channels.
It also warned that collecting or distributing zakat without proper licensing constitutes a violation of federal law and is punishable. The Authority emphasized that regulation is essential to protect donors and beneficiaries while safeguarding the integrity of the zakat system in the UAE.
