Understanding Taxable Supplies Under UAE VAT The UAE VAT system does not treat every sale or service in the same way. Some supplies are taxed at the standard 5% VAT rate, some are zero-rated, some are exempt, while others fall under special VAT treatments such as the...
Ramadan in Dubai: How to Distribute Iftar Meals and Set Up Tents
Common VAT Mistakes UAE Businesses Make — And How to Avoid Costly Penalties
Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance in the UAE may appear simple on the surface, but in reality, many businesses still make avoidable mistakes that can lead to financial penalties, delayed VAT refunds, compliance issues, and increased scrutiny from the Federal Tax...
Why Product Registrations Get Rejected in the UAE (and How to Avoid Costly Delays)
The UAE continues to strengthen its regulatory framework for imported and locally distributed products, making product registration more critical than ever for businesses entering the market. Whether you are registering cosmetics, food products, supplements,...
UAE Company Structuring in 2026: Key Shareholder Rights Businesses Should Not Overlook
UAE Company Structuring in 2026: Key Shareholder Rights Businesses Should Not Overlook Learn why shareholder rights, voting control and exit protections matter when structuring a UAE company in 2026. Setting up a company in the UAE is no longer only about obtaining a...
UAE Holding Company Setup: Structure, Benefits & Jurisdiction Guide
How to set up a UAE holding company? As UAE businesses grow, founders and investors often ask more than just how to register a company. Many now consider: “Which structure supports multiple assets, investments, or businesses efficiently?” In this context, a holding...
Understanding Taxable Supplies in UAE VAT | Zero-Rated vs Exempt Supplies Explained
Understanding Taxable Supplies Under UAE VAT The UAE VAT system does not treat every sale or service in the same way. Some supplies are taxed at the standard 5% VAT rate, some are zero-rated, some are exempt, while others fall under special VAT treatments such as the...
Common VAT Mistakes UAE Businesses Make — And How to Avoid Costly Penalties
Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance in the UAE may appear simple on the surface, but in reality, many businesses still make avoidable mistakes that can lead to financial penalties, delayed VAT refunds, compliance issues, and increased scrutiny from the Federal Tax...
Ramadan in Dubai: Guidelines for Distributing Iftar Meals, Setting Up Tents, and Avoiding Fines of Up to Dh500,000 Ramadan is a time for charitable efforts across the UAE, with many residents participating by donating food for iftar and suhoor, which…
Ramadan in Dubai: Guidelines for Distributing Iftar Meals, Setting Up Tents, and Avoiding Fines of Up to Dh500,000
Ramadan is a time for charitable efforts across the UAE, with many residents participating by donating food for iftar and suhoor, which are central to daily routines during the holy month. However, distributing iftar meals without the proper permits is prohibited in Dubai, and violators can face fines up to Dh500,000. Moreover, residents cannot outsource restaurants to prepare these meals for distribution.
To ensure that iftar meals are distributed legally, authorities advise obtaining permits through licensed platforms. For those interested in donating iftar meals in Dubai, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) offers the opportunity to donate meal kits and set up distribution tents.
The permits, which are free of charge, can be requested by both individuals and organizations. Processing the permit takes approximately 15 days. Here is a step-by-step guide for obtaining a permit for iftar-related activities:
How to Distribute Meals
To distribute meals, applicants can submit a request through IACAD’s official website by selecting the “distribution meal” option. The following details will be required:
- Full name
- Contact number
- Email address
- Emirates ID copy
- Declaration date
- Permit expiry date
- Name of the event
- Donor’s name
- Number of meals distributed daily
- Meal distribution location
Additionally, applicants will need to upload their Emirates ID and, if applicable, a restaurant license.
How to Set Up an Iftar Tent
For those wishing to set up an iftar tent, a separate permit is also required from IACAD. Applicants must provide the following details:
- Full name
- Contact number
- Emirates ID
- Number of meals distributed daily
- Landline number
- Declaration date
If applicants plan to request electricity services from DEWA, they must also provide information such as:
- Number of air conditioning units (ACs)
- AC capacity (in tons)
- Number of lights
- Wattage of each light
- Other power requirements (if any)
- Estimated hours of operation
Additionally, applicants must submit the following documents:
- Emirates ID copy
- Location map of the tent
- Restaurant license (if applicable)
By following these steps and obtaining the necessary permits, residents can safely contribute to the spirit of Ramadan while complying with local regulations.
0 Comments