New regulations issued for charitable activities in Dubai

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New, regulations, issued, charitable, activities, Dubai

Dubai - Two warnings were also issued to two entities that are not bound by the established regulations.

By Hesham Salah

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Published: Wed 12 Feb 2020, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 12 Feb 2020, 11:18 PM

It will take just one day to get a licence for charitable activities in Dubai, said a senior official with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD). Ahmed Al Muhairi, executive director of the charity sector at the IACAD, said previously it took about 15 days to obtain the licence.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, February 12, Al Muhairi said the department has issued a resolution to prescribe conditions for amicable settlement with violators of the rules that regulate charitable activities. The reduced time period for getting the licence is one of the three major resolutions issued by the IACAD, he said. The other two prescribe the requirements for printing and circulating Quran copies and religious publications; and explain the rules and procedures for licensing religious activities.
"The department recorded 26 violations by licensed entities regarding charity boxes in 2019 while the number of violations by unlicensed entities was 41. There are 5,525 donation boxes across the emirate while the number of clothes collection boxes are 2,300. The department diligently follows up on all the comments received regarding the activities of the licensed charitable societies. Two warnings were issued to two entities that are not bound by the established regulations," said Al Muhairi.
Holy Quran printing
He also said necessary permits from the IACAD are required to print or circulate the Holy Quran. A new resolution prohibits the circulation of Quran and all religious publications, by all individuals and print outlets in Dubai prior to obtaining a licence and abiding by conditions stipulated by the department.
Dr Ali Al Marzouqi, acting executive director of the Islamic Affairs Sector, stated that the IACAD applies the highest standards when it reviews the prints of the Holy Quran. The research department reviews the translation of Quran to nine approved languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Persian, Russian, Chinese, Tagalog, Amharic and French. He also mentioned that the department reviewed 3,900 books last year, 210 of which were banned because they violated the rules and regulations. Dr Al Marzouqi added that the IACAD approved over 900 religious activities last year, while the number of religious events, including lectures, classes and seminars exceeded 5,600.
hesham@khaleejtimes.com


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