UAE Implements New Fines and Rules for Non-Muslim Places of Worship

The UAE has introduced a set of administrative penalties targeting non-Muslim places of worship that breach rules outlined in Federal Law No. 9 of 2023 and its related regulations. These measures include warnings, fines, and temporary suspensions designed to ensure compliance with licensing and operational standards.

Violations are subject to escalating consequences, starting with warnings and fines beginning at Dh5,000. Repeat offenses can lead to fines reaching Dh750,000 by the third violation, alongside suspensions of activities for up to three months, which may be extended for continued non-compliance.

Key Violations and Penalties

Operating without renewing licence: First violation results in a warning, followed by fines of Dh25,000 and Dh50,000 for the second and third breaches. A fourth offense may cause suspension of activities for up to three months.
Operating without an appointed supervisor: A warning is issued initially, with subsequent fines of Dh5,000 and Dh10,000, and possible suspension for repeated violations.
Failure to hold annual meetings: The first missed meeting leads to a warning, with fines of Dh15,000 and Dh30,000 for subsequent failures, potentially resulting in suspension.
Receiving donations from abroad: Collecting funds from outside the UAE incurs fines starting at Dh100,000, increasing to Dh500,000 by the third violation, with possible suspension thereafter.
Transferring funds abroad without approval: Unauthorized transfers are fined starting at Dh50,000, escalating to Dh250,000, with suspensions for further breaches.
Operating without a local bank account: A warning is issued initially, followed by fines of Dh10,000 and Dh20,000 for repeated offenses, potentially leading to suspension.
Spending cash before depositing into an approved account: This is listed as a violation, though specific penalties were not detailed.
Failing to report bank account details: Places of worship must notify authorities within 10 days of opening or changing accounts. Failure results in warnings and fines, with possible 10-day suspension.
Failure to maintain financial and administrative records: Fines start at Dh50,000 for the second violation and can reach Dh100,000, with suspensions for ongoing non-compliance.
Destroying records without approval: Penalties begin at Dh25,000 and increase with repeated offenses, possibly leading to suspension.
Misusing funds: Using funds for purposes other than those intended results in fines from Dh25,000 up to Dh150,000, with potential suspension.
Using premises for unauthorized purposes: Fines range from Dh100,000 to Dh400,000 depending on the number of violations, with possible suspension.
Amending constitution without approval: Initial violation prompts a warning, with fines for subsequent breaches and possible suspension.
Changing board members or supervisors without approval: These changes without authorization carry fines and warnings, escalating with repeated violations and may lead to suspension.

Non-Muslim places of worship are given 15 days to respond after notification of a violation. Failure to reply within this period may be considered as confirmation that the breach occurred.

What this means for you

Non-Muslim places of worship must renew their licences promptly to avoid fines and suspensions.
Donations from outside the UAE require prior approval to prevent heavy penalties.
Places of worship must maintain accurate financial records and report bank account details within 10 days.
Unauthorized changes to leadership or constitution need approval to avoid fines and activity suspensions.