The UAE has issued a new law governing non-profit organisations, including charities.

Under the new law, the organisations, legally referred to as civil establishments, must designate a specific financial allocation to cover the cost of its activity, which can be in social, health, educational, cultural, scientific, occupational, creative, art or humanitarian fields.

Each civil organisation must have at least 10 founders, including two Emiratis.

No activity can be undertaken until the organisation is granted a licence by the Community Development Authority. The registration will include the organisation’s headquarters, geographical range, its purpose, activities and target groups, the names of its members and their nationalities, professions and residences.