QR Donations in the UAE: Permits and Pitfalls

Summary

• Dubai (IACAD): Fundraising requires an IACAD permit; events and collections must be approved and conducted through accredited charities. Displaying the permit number on materials is standard practice.
• Abu Dhabi (DCD): Fundraising requires a DCD permit. QR/digital flows may also require digital platform approval; placing donation boxes needs a separate NOC.
• Federal rules: Federal Law No. 3 of 2021 and its Executive Regulations govern fundraising nationwide (incl. use of digital platforms, social media, and transfers of donations outside the UAE).
• Below: application links, permitted/forbidden methods, signage copy, and a compliance checklist for campaigns.

QR codes make donating simple—but in the UAE, permits are mandatory and rules differ by emirate. This guide brings together the key requirements from IACAD (Dubai), DCD (Abu Dhabi), and the Federal Law on Donations, so your campaign is fast to approve and safe to run.

Who regulates QR donations?

What federal law allows (and restricts)

• Executive Regulations list permitted collection means (e.g., bank accounts, social media, and digital platforms approved by the competent authority)—which is where QR journeys usually sit.
• Sending donations abroad requires compliance with the controls/procedures set in the executive regulations; do not route funds overseas without approval.

Designing a compliant QR journey

1. Pick a licensed charity / sponsor: In Dubai, campaigns run through an accredited charity with IACAD permit; in Abu Dhabi, the entity applies via DCD.
2. Secure the right permit(s): Event/collection permit; and for Abu Dhabi digital flows, obtain digital platform approval. Use NOC if placing physical donation boxes.
3. Show your permit on the QR assets: Place the permit number and the issuing authority logo on posters, landing pages, and receipts.
4. Use approved channels only: Host payments on an approved digital platform; keep funds in the licensed bank account stated in the permit.
5. Report and reconcile: Track totals by campaign and settlement account; submit reports as your permit specifies.

DONATE BY QR
Beneficiary: <Licensed Charity Name>
Purpose: <Campaign Title>
Permit: IACAD No. <####> / DCD Permit No. <####>

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Posting an unlicensed QR online: Social media and websites are regulated fundraising channels; obtain a permit first.
• Using an unapproved platform: Abu Dhabi requires digital platform approval; the Executive Regulations require approved digital platforms for collections.
• Placing boxes without NOC: Donation boxes need prior approval in Abu Dhabi; Dubai campaigns must follow IACAD‑approved methods and partners.
• Transferring donations abroad without clearance: The federal law restricts overseas transfers without meeting the set controls and procedures.
• Confusing tips with donations: Tips to staff are not charitable donations; avoid using “donation” language for gratuities to your team.

Application links (quick access)

• Dubai (IACAD): Event / donation collection permit
• Abu Dhabi (DCD): Fundraising permit · Digital platform approval · NOC for donation boxes
• Federal (MoCE): Apply for a fundraising permit

A picture is worth a thousand words. Action is worth a thousand pictures. Scan the QR code and see us in action right away.

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Compliance checklist

• Named licensed partner (charity/NGO) and campaign purpose defined.
• Permit(s) issued: IACAD or DCD + any digital platform approval / donation‑box NOC.
• Permit number and issuing authority logo shown on all materials (print & digital).
• Donations collected via approved channels (bank account/platform) and reconciled.
• Reporting schedule observed; overseas transfers handled per federal controls.

FAQs

Sources

• IACAD — Request to set up a charitable event / collect donations (permit, scope, timeline). iacad.gov.ae
• DCD — Request to Issue Fundraising Permit (terms, docs, 20‑day SLA; TAMM channel). addcd.gov.ae
• DCD — Approval for Digital Platform for Fundraising (evaluation report; security & data integrity). addcd.gov.ae
• DCD — NOC to Place Fundraising Boxes (licensed entities only; standards & emptying plan). addcd.gov.ae
• Federal Law No. 3 of 2021 — Regulation of Donations (e.g., controls on transfers abroad). u.ae (PDF)
• Executive Regulations — Permitted collection means incl. approved digital platforms & social media. uaelegislation.gov.ae
• UAE Government Portal — Donating and raising funds (licensing paths via MoCE or competent emirate authority). u.ae
• WAM — IACAD launches smart donation service in mosques (QR implementation example in Dubai). wam.ae
• Dubai Humanitarian / IHC — Fundraising regulations (display permit number and IACAD logo on materials). dubaihumanitarian.ae (PDF)