Gulf News and Gulf Today reported Nov. 9 that a UAE schedule for non-Muslim worship sites sets fines up to Dh750,000 for certain overseas ties among 24 listed violations.
Federal Law No. 9 of 2023 covers places and rooms of worship across the UAE, including free zones. It restricts foreign donations, unapproved transfers of money abroad, fundraising, religious acts outside designated premises, some overseas affiliations and spending property or funds beyond their stated purposes. The law also authorizes administrative warnings, temporary suspension, board dismissal and fines from Dh5,000 to Dh1 million. A separate provision sets fines from Dh100,000 to Dh3 million for violations of the law and its implementing rules or decisions.
The outlets said the reported schedule took effect in mid-October 2026. Their detailed accounts put the Dh750,000 penalty on a third violation involving meetings or conferences abroad, membership in foreign religious or other entities, or connections with foreign diplomatic or government bodies. A fourth breach can bring a temporary suspension lasting as long as three months, with the measure eligible for renewal.
Gulf Today’s opening summary places the Dh750,000 maximum on a fourth violation, though its itemized account, like Gulf News’ detailed account, assigns it to the third.
For receiving donations, gifts or grants from outside the UAE, the reported fines rise from Dh100,000 for a first violation to Dh250,000 for a second and Dh500,000 for a third. Sending funds or other support abroad without prior approval carries reported penalties of Dh50,000, Dh100,000 and Dh250,000 across those same tiers. Soliciting donations and performing religious acts outside designated premises also bring escalating fines: the reported amounts reach Dh500,000 and Dh400,000, respectively, on a third violation.
The schedule also addresses license renewals and supervision. Operating without a renewed license can draw a warning, then fines of Dh25,000 and Dh50,000; a fourth breach can lead to suspension. For activity without an appointed supervisor, the reported steps are a warning, fines of Dh5,000 and Dh10,000, then possible suspension. The outlets say establishments have 60 days to remedy an expired license and 30 days to appoint a supervisor. Other listed requirements cover UAE bank accounts, cash deposits, reporting account details within 10 days and spending funds only for the purposes for which a place of worship was established.
