New laws regulating awqaf and endowments in Dubai

VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Law No (14) of 2017 regulating awqaf and endowments in Dubai, UAE. HH also issued Law No. (17) of 2017 on the Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy (MBRGCEC).

HH said that endowment establishments are key partner of governments in community development and play a historic role in development in the Arab world and globally. He also said that the UAE and Dubai aims to provide the best legislations in this domain.

Law No. (14) of 2017 aims to support the UAE vision regarding charity and humanitarian efforts, establishing a comprehensive and modern legal framework that addresses the needs of the community. The Law institutionalises the management, operations and protection of endowments and outlines the framework for providing a conducive environment for charitable activities and community contributions in the fields of education, healthcare, culture, arts, environment, sports and social unity.

The law specifies the responsibilities and obligations of concerned entities, and prescribes the regulations and procedures that govern the management and development of awqaf and endowments. It also defines and regulates the MBRGCEC’s Dubai Endowment Sign which is awarded to government and private entities that contribute substantially to the community.

The law further authorises Dubai’s Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation to issue licenses for waqf establishment in collaboration with the MBRGCEC. The two entities outline the regulations that govern the waqf establishments, including licensing, governance regime and penalties for licensing violations. The Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation is also responsible for overseeing and monitoring the waqf establishment.

Pursuant to Law No (14) of 2017, endowments are subject to Federal Law No (5) of 1985 without prejudice to the terms and conditions set forth by the grantor or otherwise by the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation and the MBRGCEC. The Board of Dubai’s Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, in collaboration with the MBRGCEC, is authorised to issue the policies and procedures required to implement this law. The law does not contradict or challenge the waqf-related laws applicable in Dubai International Financial Centre.

Pursuant to Law No. (17) of 2017, the MBRGCEC aims to support the vision of Dubai to become a global humanitarian hub, enabling waqf and endowments to match various local, regional and international developmental needs. The law authorises the centre to provide consulting services for individuals and organisations according to international best practices, identify the critical development requirements that waqf can support, enhance knowledge and capabilities in the fields of awqaf and endowments by conducting research and studies, organising conferences and workshops and signing partnership agreements with specialised local, regional and international organisations.

The centre is also authorised to issue the MBRGCEC’s Dubai Endowment Sign according to specified regulations and procedures. To qualify for the signage, the individual or entity must have launched sustainable waqf-related initiatives, projects or contributions.

The law also authorises the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives to appoint the Secretary General of the MBRGCEC.

This law annuls any other legislation that contradicts or challenges its articles. Both laws will be published in the Official Gazette and considered valid from the date of publication.

Dubai Endowment Sign bestowed on Dubai RTA

Source: Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Centre for Awqaf and Endowment. RTA receives Dubai Endowment Sign from MBRGCEC.

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has received the Dubai Endowment* Sign from HE Dr Hamad Al Hammadi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Endowment Consultancy (MBRGCEC) in recognition of RTA’s initiative for deploying the world’s first endowment taxicabs. The revenue from the taxicabs will be allocated to community activities related to public transport.
“RTA prides itself on being among the first contributors to the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and initiating the concept of the first endowment taxicab in the world. Obtaining the Endowment Sign is an incentive for all to contribute to community development through endowments. We are looking forward for our cooperation with the MBRGCEC to bear results dividends in support of community development efforts,” said Al Tayer.

“RTA is keen on supporting all programmes and initiatives of the Dubai government in scientific, social, humanitarian and economic fields out of its relentless efforts to bolster its social responsibility at the local, regional and global levels. Such efforts, we believe, would raise the standing of the UAE and Dubai in global humanitarian circles and bring happiness to people.”

“The first endowment taxicab in the world is a key component of the creative endowment unleashed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai,” said Dr Hamad Al Hammadi. “RTA has rolled out this innovative concept, which heralds a pioneering endowment experience worthy of emulation worldwide. We are looking forward for other public and private entities to follow suit of RTA in developing cracking endowment solutions for community development."

The Dubai Endowment Sign is part of the activities launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the global vision for endowment. It is an incentive for engaging with the community, and enables public and private organisations to serve the community through endowing a part of their assets to address social development needs.

Entities that are granted the Dubai Endowment Sign can benefit from several advantages, including:

• Priority in government procurement and contracting with the Dubai government as per the directives issued by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
• Inclusion of the Dubai Endowment Sign in all types of communications, and inclusion of the entity’s logo in promotional campaigns organised by the MBRGCEC.

“The MBRGCEC seeks to offer consultancy to public and private entities towards enhancing their communal contributions through the Dubai Endowment Sign. Such coordinated efforts would help build a wide spectrum of community services featuring key tools for leveraging the corporate contribution to the community,” said Al Hammadi.
 
Interested?

Enquire about obtaining the Dubai Endowment Sign at the MBRGCEC website

*Endowments (أوقاف‎‎) in the Islamic context, called awqaf or waqf, are charitable donations given to further religious purposes. The Dubai vision for Awqaf and Endowments does not specifically mention religious purposes and refers to doing good and serving humanity in general.