The United Arab Emirates has formally established comprehensive guidelines for religious charitable contributions during Ramadan 2026 (1447 Hijri), bringing clarity and standardization to Islamic financial obligations. The UAE Council for Islamic Affairs unveiled the framework on February 8, 2026, following extensive market research conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
Under the newly announced provisions, Zakat Al Fitr—the obligatory charity marking the end of Ramadan—has been set at 2.5 kilograms of rice or its monetary equivalent of 25 dirhams per person. For those unable to fast due to valid reasons, the compensatory Fidyah payment has been established at 3.25 kilograms of barley or 20 dirhams per beneficiary daily.
The Council specified distinct rates for various religious circumstances: Fidyah for prohibited acts during Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages is fixed at 120 dirhams, distributed among six beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Kaffarah (atonement) for invalidated fasting or broken vows requires 1,200 dirhams per day, allocated to 60 beneficiaries at 20 dirhams each. For violated oaths, the Kaffarah amounts to 200 dirhams distributed to ten recipients.
The comprehensive market study involved thorough price surveys of staple foods across all emirates, consultations with suppliers, and field visits to ensure equitable calculations for both donors and beneficiaries. This standardization initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and fairness in charitable distribution mechanisms.
Regarding temporal guidelines, the Council recommends distributing Zakat Al Fitr after the Fajr prayer on Eid day to maximize benefit for needy communities during celebrations. While early payments are permissible to avoid organizational congestion, contributions made after sunset are considered make-up payments rather than standard obligations.
The Council explicitly endorsed monetary contributions as religiously valid, citing historical precedents where Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) approved cash substitutes for staple foods. This recognition accommodates modern practicalities while maintaining religious integrity.
Authorized collection channels include the Zakat Fund under the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments, the Emirates Red Crescent, and certified charitable organizations. The Council concluded with prayers for a blessed Ramadan and continued prosperity for the UAE nation.