Administrative Resolution No. (9) of 2020

Approving the

Rules and Procedures for Licensing Religious Activities in the Emirate of Dubai^{^[1]}

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The Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department,

After perusal of:

Federal Law No. (4) of 2018 Concerning the Regulation and Upkeep of Mosques;

Law No. (2) of 2011 Concerning the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department;

Executive Council Resolution No. (25) of 2013 Concerning Mosques and Religious Activities in the Emirate of Dubai; and

Executive Council Resolution No. (15) of 2015 Approving the Organisational Structure of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department,

Does hereby issue this Resolution.

Definitions

Article (1)

The following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Resolution, will have the meaning indicated opposite each of them unless the context implies otherwise:

UAE:		The United Arab Emirates.
Resolution:		Executive Council Resolution No. (25) of 2013 Concerning Mosques and Religious Activities in the Emirate of Dubai.
IACAD:		The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.
Religious Activities:		Giving lessons, sermons, and lectures; holding seminars and religious competitions; organising and holding religious conferences and exhibitions; and presenting religious programmes published in print media and broadcast on audio and visual media.
Licence:		A document issued by the IACAD authorising the conduct of Religious Activities in the Emirate after verifying that all requirements and procedures prescribed by this Resolution are met.
Licensee:		A natural or legal person authorised under a Licence to conduct any of the Religious Activities in the Emirate.

Rules and Procedures for Issuing Licences

Article (2)

A Licence will be issued subject to the following rules and procedures:

1. A Licence application will be submitted to the IACAD on the form prescribed by it for this purpose, supported by the following documents:

a. for a UAE national who wishes to conduct any of the Religious Activities, a copy of the Emirates ID card and curriculum vitae;

b. for a non-UAE national who resides in the UAE and wishes to conduct any of the Religious Activities, a copy of the passport, valid UAE residence permit, Emirates ID card, and curriculum vitae;

c. for a non-UAE national who does not reside in the UAE and wishes to conduct any of the Religious Activities, a copy of the passport and curriculum vitae;

d. a detailed report on the Religious Activity to be conducted, including its subject, objectives, targeted groups, language of delivery, number of expected participants, and date and venue;

e. the academic material to be used in conducting the Religious Activity; and

f. any other documents required by the IACAD.

2. The IACAD will consider the application and its supporting documents. The IACAD may request any additional information or documents. The IACAD must determine the application within a maximum period of thirty (30) days from the date of its submission, otherwise the application will be deemed rejected.

Obligations of Licensees

Article (3)

A Licensee must:

1. conspicuously display, in advertising the Religious Activity, the Licence number and the name of the IACAD for easy access by the public;

2. adhere to the subject of the licensed Religious Activity;

3. conduct the Religious Activity at the time and venue specified in the Licence. A Licensee may change the Religious Activity’s time and venue only after obtaining the relevant written approval of the IACAD;

4. not allow third parties to conduct the licensed Religious Activity;

5. not distribute any publications whatsoever without first obtaining the relevant written approval of the IACAD;

6. not engage in politics; instigate hatred or sectarian, racial, religious, or ethnic conflicts; or undermine state security, system of government, or public order and morality in the UAE;

7. not respond to questions on, and inquiries into, topics other than that of the Religious Activity, or change the licensed Religious Activity without first obtaining the relevant written approval of the IACAD; and

8. provide the IACAD, within five (5) days from the conclusion of the Religious Activity, with a detailed report, including specific information on the conducted Religious Activity, the number and categories of attendees, the language of delivery, and any other information requested by the IACAD.

Observing Spiritual Retreat at Mosques

Article (4)

No person may observe I’tikaf (spiritual retreat) at a Mosque without first obtaining the written approval of the IACAD.

Publication and Commencement

Article (5)

This Resolution will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force on the day on which it is published.

Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Hamad Al Shaibani

Director General
Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department

Issued in Dubai on 6 January 2020

Corresponding to 11 Jumada al-Ula 1441 A.H.

[1]Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.