New law to regulate Islamic affairs in Dubai

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) has issued three administrative resolutions to regulate Islamic affairs and religious activities in Dubai.

Director General of IACAD Dr Hamad Bin Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani said that the resolutions offer a guideline to print and circulate copies of the Holy Quran and other religious publications, to organise a fundraising drive for charitable purposes and the procedures to get a licence for religious activities.

Al Muhairi reiterated the IACAD’s keenness to improve charitable work in Dubai as an essential part of its objectives. He noted that the period of obtaining a licence for charitable activities decreased from 15 working days to one working day, which underscores the department’s commitment to support charitable activities in accordance with the highest standards of governance and the highest international standards.

The resolution has prohibited circulation of the Holy Quran and all religious publications without obtaining a prior licence to do so. The new resolution also stipulates the procedures to organise religious activities in the emirate of Dubai. It also stresses the need to obtain prior written approval from IACAD for holding any activity in mosques in Dubai.

Acting Executive Director of the Islamic Affairs Dr. Ali Al Marzouqi said that the IACAD is committed to promote the values of moderate Islam, as it reflects Dubai’s humanitarian position, while ensuring commitment to Sharia regulations.

“These administrative resolutions reinforce IACAD’s role when it comes to oversee the printing of the Holy Quran and other religious publications, in order to ensure accuracy, quality and adherence to the Islamic values of tolerance,” he said.

He said that during past three years, the Research Department reviewed more than five million pages of religious materials written in, or translated to Arabic. He also mentioned that the department reviewed 3,900 books in 2019, 210 of which were banned for violations.

He added that IACAD approved over 900 religious activities last year, while more than 5,600 religious events, including lectures, classes and seminars were approved.

IACAD Executive Director (Charity) Ahmed Al Muhairi said that the IACAD supports fundraising campaigns and sustainable charitable work activities in Dubai. The issuance of new administrative resolution provides a clear mechanism to regulate the fundraising drive in Dubai.

“The resolution encourages adherence to legal regulations for fundraising and enhances confidence in IACAD’s supervision of donation campaigns.”