Law No. 12 of 2017 regulating Civil Societies in the Emirate of Dubai

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D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

Law No. (12) of 2017
R e g u l a t i n g N G O s i n t h e E m i r a t e o f D u b a i

W e , M o h a m m e d b i n R a s h i d A l M a k t o u m , R u l e r o f D u b a i ,
Having cognizance of the Federal Law No. (2) of 2008 on Associations and Institutions of
P u b l i c I n t e r e s t ;
The Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 on the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare and
t h e A c t i n g B o d i e s ;
Law No. (8) of 1997 Regulating the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as amended;
Law No. (3) of 2003 Establishing an Executive Council for the Emirate of Dubai;
Law No. (2) of 2011 on the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department;
Law No. (8) of 2015 on the Community Development Authority in Dubai;
Law No. (32) of 2015 on the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai;
Law No. 1 of 2016 on the Financial Regulations of the Government of Dubai;
Law No. (8) of 2016 Regulating Grant of Law Enforcement Capacity in the Government of
D u b a i ;
Law No. (9) of 2015 Regulating Fundraising in the Emirate of Dubai;
Executive Council Resolution No. (26) of 2013 on Charitable Associations, Quran
Memorization Centres and Islamic Institutions in t h e E m i r a t e o f D u b a i ; a n d
Local Order No. (96) of 1995 on the Licensing and Regulating of Social Clubs in the Emirate
o f D u b a i , a s a m e n d e d ;
H e r e b y p r o m u l g a t e t h e f o l l o w i n g l a w :
C h a p t e r O n e
P r e l i m i n a r y P r o v i s i o n s
L a w T i t l e
A r t i c l e ( 1 )

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

T h i s L a w s h a l l b e c a l l e d “Law No. (12) of 2017 Regulating NGOs in the Emirate of Dubai”.
D e f i n i t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 2 )
Unless otherwise indicated by the context of the text, the following words and phrases,
wherever stated herein, shall have the meanings assigned to each of them:
S t a t e : The United Arab Emirates
E m i r a t e : T h e E m i r a t e o f D u b a i
R u l e r : His Highness the Ruler of the Emirate of
D u b a i
C D A : Community Development Authority in Dubai
D i r e c t o r – G e n e r a l : T h e C D A ‘ s D i r e c t o r – G e n e r a l
C o n c e r n e d A u t h o r i t y : A n y f e d e r a l o r l o c a l a u t h o r i t y w i t h i n i t s
competence falls the regulation of any of the
activities carried out by the NGOs under the
l e g i s l a t i o n i n f o r c e i n t h e S t a t e .
N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s : Any non-profit entity comprising a group with
a continuing organization, composed of
natural and/or legal persons, that practises
any of the activities provided for in Article (5)
h e r e o f .
N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n : A n y n o n – p r o f i t e n t i t y w h i c h i s c r e a t e d b y o n e
founder or a group of founders, which is based
on the allocation of a sum of money to carry
out any of the activities mentioned in Article
( 5 ) h e r e o f .
N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l O r g a n i z a t i o n o r
” N G O ” : Non-governmental Association or Non-
g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n
L i c e n c e : T h e d o c u m e n t i s s u e d b y t h e C D A f o r t h e N G O
which meets the conditions and requirements
necessary for exercising the activities
authorized in accordance with the provisions
h e r e o f .
A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n : T h e N G O ‘ s A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n
G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y : T h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y o f t h e N o n –
g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n
B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s : T h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s o f t h e N o n –
g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n
B o a r d o f T r u s t e e s : T h e B o a r d o f T r u s t e e s o f t h e N o n –
governmental Institution
B o a r d : T h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s a n d B o a r d o f T r u s t e e s

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

S c o p e o f A p p l i c a t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 3 )
A. T h e p r o v i s i o n s h e r e o f s h a l l a p p l y t o t h e U A E N G O s e x i s t i n g w h e n t h i s L a w
c o m e s i n t o f o r c e a n d t h o s e e s t a b l i s h e d t h e r e a f t e r .
B. T h e f o l l o w i n g e n t i t i e s s h a l l b e e x c l u d e d f r o m t h e a p p l i c a t i o n o f t h e p r o v i s i o n s
h e r e o f :
1- The associations and institutions covered by the provisions of the Federal
Law No. (2) of 2008 referred to above;
2- The bodies working in the field of youth and sport care covered by the
provisions of the Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 referred to above;
3- P r i v a t e a s s o c i a t i o n s , i n s t i t u t i ons, and public interest institutions established
b y l e g i s l a t i o n i s s u e d b y t h e R u l e r .
4- C h a r i t a b l e a s s o c i a t i o n s , Q u r a n m e m o r i z a t i o n c e n t r e s a n d I s l a m i c i n s t i t u t i o n s
licensed in the Emirate pursuant to the Executive Council Resolution No. (26) of
2013 referred to above; and
5- The business councils, which are licensed by Dubai Chamber of Commerce
and Industry in accordance with Law No. (8) of 1997 referred to above.
L a w O b j e c t i v e s
A r t i c l e ( 4 )
T h i s L a w a i m s t o :
1- A c h i e v e s o c i a l d e v e l o p m e n t i n t h e E m i r a t e b y a c t i v a t i n g t h e r o l e o f t h e c i v i l s o c i e t y ;
2- R e g u l a t e t h e l i c e n s i n g o f N G O s a n d g r a n t i n g t h e m a l e g a l p e r s o n a l i t y ;
3- E n a b l e N G O s t o p r o v i d e t h e i r s e r v i c e s i n a l l a r e a s o f i n t e r e s t t o t h e c o m m u n i t y ; a n d
4- E n c o u r a g e i n d i v i d u a l s a n d e n t i t ies to engage in volunteer work and community
p a r t i c i p a t i o n .
N G O s A c t i v i t i e s
A r t i c l e ( 5 )
T h e a c t i v i t i e s N G O s a r e a u t h o r i z e d to practise in the Emirate in the social, health,
educational, cultural, scientific, educational, professional, creative, technical, humanitarian
areas and any other areas seeking public benefit shall be determined by a decision of the
D i r e c t o r – G e n e r a l .
C D A ‘ s T e r m s o f R e f e r e n c e
A r t i c l e ( 6 )

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

In order to achieve the objectives hereof, the CDA shall have the following functions and
powers:
I t s h a l l :
1- L i c e n s e N G O s a n d t h e i r b r a n c h e s i n t h e E m i r a t e ;
2- I n v e s t i g a t e c o m p l a i n t s a g a i n s t N G O s , i d e n t i f y v i o l a t i o n s c o m m i t t e d b y t h e m , a n d
t a k e a p p r o p r i a t e m e a s u r e s r e g a r d i n g t h e m ;
3- P r o p o s e l e g i s l a t i o n r e l a t e d t o t h e r e g u l a t i o n s o f N G O s i n t h e E m i r a t e ; a n d
4- A s s u m e a n y o t h e r f u n c t i o n s o r p o w e r s r e q u i r e d t o i m p l e m e n t t h e p r o v i s i o n s h e r e o f .
N G O s A c t i v i t i e s
A r t i c l e ( 5 )
A. A n a t u r a l o r l e g a l p e r s o n m a y e s t a b l i s h o r i n c o r p o r a t e a n y o f t h e e n t i t i e s
covered by the provisions hereof in the Emirate, whatever the purpose thereof is, or
open branches of such entities or transfer them from place to place within the
Emirate, or practise any of the activities mentioned in Article 5 hereof through a
NGO only after obtaining the licence and the necessary approvals and permits from
t h e C o n c e r n e d A u t h o r i t i e s .
B. N o p u b l i c o r p r i v a t e e n t i t y m a y a l l o w a n y o f i t s f a c i l i t i e s t o b e u s e d f o r
practising the activities of NGOs by any natural or legal person not authorized to do
i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e p r o v i s i o n s h e r e o f .
C h a p t e r T w o
N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s
C o n d i t i o n s o f E s t a b l i s h i n g N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 8 )
T h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s r e q u i r e s t h e f o l l o w i n g :
1- T h e n u m b e r o f f o u n d e r s m a y n o t b e l e s s t h a n ( 1 0 ) t e n m e m b e r s , p r o v i d e d t h a t t w o
of them are citizens of the State. The Director-General may make exemptions by way of
i n c r e a s i n g o r d e c r e a s i n g f r o m t h i s p r o v i s i o n .
2- T h e f o u n d i n g m e m b e r s h a l l m e e t t h e f o l l o w i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s :
a. T h e a p p l i c a n t m a y n o t b e y o u n g e r t h a n 2 1 c a l e n d a r y e a r s a t t h e t i m e o f
a p p l i c a t i o n ;
b. T h e a p p l i c a n t s h a l l h a v e f u l l l e g a l c a p a c i t y ;
c. He shall be of good conduct, and not convicted in a felony or a crime involving
moral turpitude or dishonesty unless he has been rehabilitated.
d. H e s h a l l b e a r e s i d e n t o f t h e S t a t e i f h e i s a n a t i o n a l o f a G C C s t a t e .

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

e. H i s r e s i d e n c e i n t h e S t a t e s h a l l b e v a l i d ( f o r n o n – n a t i o n a l s o f t h e S t a t e ) a n d s u c h
r e s i d e n c e m a y n o t b e l e s s t h a n ( 3 ) t h r e e y e a r s .
3- T h e a p p l i c a n t s h a l l s u b m i t t h e A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l
Association that complies with the provisions hereof and of the decisions issued
hereunder, provided that such Articles of Associati o n s h a l l i n c l u d e t h e f o l l o w i n g :
( A ) T h e n a m e o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n , p r o v i d e d t h a t s u c h n a m e ( i )
is derived from the purpose for which it was created, (ii) does not create
confusion between it and any other NGO within its sphere of activity, and (iii) is
a p p r o v e d b y t h e C D A ;
( B ) T h e p r o p o s e d s e a t o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n a n d i t s g e o g r a p h i c a l
s c o p e ;
( C ) T h e p u r p o s e f o r w h i c h t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n w a s e s t a b l i s h e d a n d i t s
a c t i v i t i e s a n d t a r g e t g r o u p s ;
( D) The founding members’ names, nationalities, occupations and residence in
t h e S t a t e ;
( E ) C o n d i t i o n s a n d t y p e o f m e m b e r s h i p , a d m i s s i o n a n d d i s – m e m b e r s h i p
procedures, and members’ rights and duties;
( F ) T h e r u l e s a n d p r i n c i p l e s o f the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly,
the terms of reference thereof, the procedures for inviting them, the conditions
of their validity and the manner of making their decisions ;
( G ) T h e m a n n e r o f f o r m i n g t h e B o a r d D i r e c t o r s a n d i t s t e r m s o f r e f e r e n c e ;
( H ) L a p s e a n d l o s s o f m e m b e r s h i p ;
( I ) R u l e s f o r a m e n d i n g t h e A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l
Association, how to establish or close branches or affiliated centres, or to merge
t h e m w i t h o t h e r N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s i n t h e E m i r a t e ;
( J ) S o u r c e s o f t h e f i n a n c i a l r e s o u r c e s o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n , h o w
they are used, disposed of, the manner of monitoring their expenditure, the
beginning and end of their financial year, the system of keeping financial
a d v a n c e s , i f a n y , a n d t h e i r v a l u e t o m e e t u r g e n t e x p e n s e s ;
( K ) C o n d i t i o n s f o r v o l u n t a r y d i s s o l u t i o n o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n a n d
i t s l i q u i d a t i o n r u l e s ;
( L ) A n y o t h e r d e t a i l s t h e C D A d e e m s n e c e s s a r y .

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

4- T h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n t o b e l i c e n s e d m a y n o t b e a b r a n c h o f a l i c e n s e d
A s s o c i a t i o n o u t s i d e t h e S t a t e .
A p p l i c a t i o n o f R e q u i r e m e n t s t o L e g a l P e r s o n s
A r t i c l e ( 9 )
T h e c o n d i t i o n s p r o v i d e d f o r i n A r t i c l e ( 8 ) h e r e o f s h a l l a p p l y t o N G O s c o m p o s e d o f l e g a l
p e r s o n s t o t h e e x t e n t t h a t t h e y a r e c o m p a t i b l e w i t h t h e l e g a l n a t u r e o f s u c h p e r s o n s .
P r e – i n c o r p o r a t i o n R e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 1 0 )
( A ) T h e i n c o r p o r a t o r s s h a l l e l e c t f r o m a m o n g t h e m s e l v e s a n i n t e r i m c o m m i t t e e o f n o t l e s s
than three (3) members. Such members shall elect from among themselves one or more
representative. Such representative(s) shall complete the licensing procedures provided for
i n A r t i c l e ( 1 1 ) h e r e o f .
(B) The work of the Committee referred to in paragraph (a) of this Article shall end upon the
election of the Board of Directors in accordance with t h e p r o v i s i o n s o f A r t i c l e ( 1 9 ) h e r e o f .
L i c e n s i n g P r o c e d u r e s
A r t i c l e ( 1 1 )
A – T h e a p p l i c a t i o n f o r a N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n l i c e n c e s h a l l b e s u b m i t t e d t o t h e C D A
on the form prepared for this purpose, supported by the documents and papers required by
t h e C D A .
B – T h e C D A s h a l l e x a m i n e t h e a p p l i c a t i o n f o r t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l
Association and the documents attached thereto. The CDA may request any documents,
approvals or permits from the Concerned Authorities that are necessary for the completion of
t h e l i c e n s i n g p r o c e d u r e s o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n .
C- The CDA shall issue its decision on the application for the licence within (30) thirty days
from the date of submission thereof. Such period shall be subject to a one-time extension,
and the application shall be considered rejected if the decision is not issued during such
p e r i o d .
P r o v i s i o n a l A p p r o v a l
A r t i c l e ( 1 2 )
A – T h e C D A s h a l l g r a n t t h e a p p l i c a n t a provisional approval of the licence of the Non-
governmental Association. Granted such approval, the applicant shall complete the necessary

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

procedures to complete the final licensing procedures.
B – D u r i n g p e r i o d o f t h e t e r m o f t h e granting the provisional approval and prior to obtaining
the licence, the Non-governmental Association may not carry out its activities or make any
change to the details submitted to the CDA for obtaining such approval.
R e j e c t i o n t o L i c e n s e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 1 3 )
T h e C D A m a y r e j e c t t o l i c e n s e t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n i f t h e c o n d i t i o n s s t i p u l a t e d
herein are not satisfied or for consideration s o f p u b l i c i n t e r e s t .
R e q u i r e m e n t s f o r C o m p l e t i o n o f L i c e n s i n g P r o c e d u r e s
A r t i c l e ( 1 4 )
A – U p o n o b t a i n i n g t h e p r o v i s i o n a l a p p r o v a l , t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l c o m p l e t e
a l l l i c e n s i n g p r o c e d u r e s , i n c l u d i n g :
1- P r o v i s i o n o f a s e a t f o r t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e
conditions prescribed by a decision of the Director-General; and
2- O b t a i n i n g a p e r m i t t o p r a c t i s e t h e a c t i v i t y f r o m t h e C o n c e r n e d A u t h o r i t y i n a c c o r d a n c e
w i t h t h e a p p l i c a b l e l e g i s l a t i o n .
B – T h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l c o m p l e t e t h e f i n a l l i c e n s i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s w i t h i n a
period not exceeding (6) six months from the date of g r a n t i n g t h e p r o v i s i o n a l a p p r o v a l .
C – T h e D i r e c t o r – G e n e r a l m a y e x t e n d t h e p e r iod provided for in paragraph (b) of this Article for
a similar period if the Non-governmental Association, for a convincing reason, cannot meet
t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s o f t h e f i n a l l i c e n c e .
D – T h e p r o v i s i o n a l a p p r o v a l s h a l l b e deemed null and void if the Non-governmental
Association fails to meet the requirements of the final licence within the prescribed period.
L i c e n s i n g a n d R e g i s t r a t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 1 5 )
A f t e r t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n f u l f i l l s a l l t h e c o n d i t i o n s s t i p u l a t e d h e r e i n , t h e C D A
shall license it and register it in the Register of

Non-governmental Associations maintained by
t h e C D A .
L e g a l P e r s o n a l i t y

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

A r t i c l e ( 1 6 )
T h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s h a ll acquire its legal personality once it is licensed and
registered in the Register of

Non-governmental Associations and published in the Official
G a z e t t e o f t h e G o v e r n m e n t o f D u b a i .
T e r m o f L i c e n c e
A r t i c l e ( 1 7 )
A ) T h e t e r m o f t h e l i c e n c e o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l b e o n e y e a r r e n e w a b l e
for similar periods. At the request of the Non-governmental Association, and after obtaining
the approval of the CDA and the Concerned Authority, the licence term may be more than one
y e a r b u t n o t m o r e t h a n ( 3 ) t h r e e y e a r s .
B ) T h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l r e n e w i t s l i c e n c e i s s u e d b y t h e C D A w i t h i n t h i r t y
(30) days from the date of its expiration date, in accordance with the procedures determined
b y a d e c i s i o n o f t h e D i r e c t o r – G e n e r a l .
C o m p o s i t i o n o f t h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y
A r t i c l e ( 1 8 )
T h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y s h a l l c o n s i s t o f a l l m e m b e r s w h o m e e t t h e c o n d i t i o n s o f m e m b e r s h i p
and have paid their contributions to the Non-governmental Association before the General
A s s e m b l y .
I n v i t i n g t h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y t o E l e c t t h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s
A r t i c l e ( 1 9 )
T h e I n t e r i m C o m m i t t e e r e f e r r e d t o i n A rticle (10) hereof shall invite the General Assembly to
convene within a period not exceeding (6) six months from the date of the issuance of the
l i c e n c e , i n o r d e r t o e l e c t t h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s .
E s t a b l i s h m e n t o f B r a n c h e s o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 2 0 )
T h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n m a y e s t a b l i s h b r a n c h e s w i t h i n t h e E m i r a t e b a s e d o n t h e
prior written approval of the CDA. The Articles of Association of the Non-governmental
Association shall determine the manner of establishing the branches, their closure,
organization of their work and the relationship bet w e e n t h e m a n d t h e H e a d O f f i c e .
A m e n d m e n t o f t h e A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

A r t i c l e ( 2 1 )
T h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n m a y m a k e a n y a m e n d m e n t t o i t s A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n ,
replace the members of the Board of Directors or change its name or its seat only after
obtaining the prior written consent of the C D A i n t h i s r e s p e c t .
A d m i n i s t r a t i v e B o d y o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 2 2 )
T h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n m a y a p p o i n t a d m i n i s t r a t o r s , s p e c i a l i s t s a n d e m p l o y e e s
to conduct its affairs in accordance with the regulations adopted in this regard in a manner
n o t i n c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h e l e g i s l a t i o n i n f o r c e i n t h e E m i r a t e .
B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 2 3 )
( A ) T h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l h a v e a B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s o f n o t l e s s t h a n ( 5 )
five members, including at least two citizens of the State as members. Such Board of
Directors shall be entrusted with the task of managing the affairs of the Non-governmental
Association and providing it with the necessary means for carrying out its activities and
a c h i e v i n g i t s p u r p o s e s .
(B) The Board of Directors shall be elected by secret ballot. The Articles of Association shall
specify the terms of reference of such Board of Directors, the conditions that shall be met
by its members, the number of such members, the cases of termination or lapse of their
membership and the procedures for calling the Board of Directors to convene and the
validity of its meetings, and how to elect the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
( C ) T h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s ‘ s e s s i o n s h a l l b e a n o n – r e n e w a b l e p e r i o d o f t w o y e a r s .
( D ) T h e m e m b e r o f t h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s m a y n o t b e y o u n g e r t h a n ( 2 1 ) c a l e n d a r y e a r s .
( E ) T h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s s h a l l h a v e a C h a i r m a n w h o s h a l l r e p r e s e n t t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l
A s s o c i a t i o n b e f o r e c o u r t s a n d o t h e r s .
( F ) T h e C D A ‘ s p r i o r a p p r o v a l f o r n o m i n a t ion to chair or to be a member of the Board of
D i r e c t o r s i s r e q u i r e d .
M e m b e r s h i p o f t h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s
A r t i c l e ( 2 4 )
A- No person may assume the membership of Board of Directors of more than one Non-
governmental Associations which practise the very same activity. Nonetheless, the Director-

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

General may allow a person to assume the membership of Board of Directors of two Non-
g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s .
B – N o p e r s o n m a y s i m u l t a n e o u s l y a s s u m e t h e m e m b e r s h i p o f t h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s o f t h e
Non-governmental Association and working therefor for a fee or a remuneration.
C – N o p e r s o n m a y s i m u l t a n e o u s l y a s s u m e t h e m e m b e r s h i p o f t h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s o f t h e
Non-governmental Association working for the CDA or any of the governmental bodies that
s u p e r v i s e t h e a c t i v i t y o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n .
D- The CDA may, for the public interest, suspend from work any member of the Board of
D i r e c t o r s , i n c l u d i n g t h e C h a i r m a n o f t h e B o a r d .
I n v i t a t i o n t o t h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y M e e t i n g
A r t i c l e ( 2 5 )
A- Under penalty of nullity, the Non-governmental Association shall obtain the prior approval of
t h e C D A t o c o n v e n e i t s G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y m e e t i n g 1 4 d a y s b e f o r e i t s d a t e .
B – T h e m e m b e r s s h a l l b e i n v i t e d t o attend the General Assembly meeting on such dates and
in such cases provided for in the Articles of Association, in addition to the meeting referred
to in Article (19) hereof, by an announcement specifying the date, place and agenda of the
m e e t i n g .
C – T h e a g e n d a o f t h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y m e e t i n g a n d t h e r e p o r t s t o b e d i s c u s s e d s h a l l b e
sent to all members on the dates specified in the Articles of Association. If such date is not
s p e c i f i e d , i t s h a l l b e a t l e a s t ( 5 ) f i v e d a y s p r i o r t o t h e m e e t i n g .
M e e t i n g s o f t h e O r d i n a r y G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y
A r t i c l e ( 2 6 )
A- In addition to the dates and cases of convening the General Assembly as determined by
the Articles of Association, the General Assembly shall hold an ordinary meeting within the
three months following the end of its financial year. Such meeting shall be devoted to the
c o n s i d e r a t i o n o f t h e f o l l o w i n g m a t t e r s :
1- R a t i f i c a t i o n o f t h e m i n u t e s o f t h e l a s t m e e t i n g o f t h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y ;
2- A p p r o v a l o f t h e R e p o r t o f t h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s o n i t s w o r k i n t h e f i n a n c i a l y e a r
ended, its programmes, activities and action plan for the new year;
3- A p p r o v a l o f t h e d r a f t b u d g e t f o r t h e n e w f i n a n c i a l y e a r ;
4- A p p r o v a l o f t h e d r a f t b u d g e t a n d t h e f i n a l a c c o u n t f o r t h e f i n a n c i a l y e a r e n d e d ;
5- T h e e l e c t i o n o f a n e w B o a r d o f D irectors upon the expiration of the term of office
of the Board of Directors or a vacancy in the Board of Directors for any reason;
6- A p p o i n t m e n t o f a n a u d i t o r a n d d e t e r m i n a t i o n o f s u c h a u d i t o r ‘ s f e e s ;

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

7- Consideration of voluntary dissolution and liquidation of the Non-governmental
Association; and
8- A n y o t h e r t o p i c s i d e n t i f i e d b y i t s a g e n d a .
B- The Ordinary General Assembly may not consider a n y m a t t e r s n o t i n c l u d e d i n i t s a g e n d a .
Q u o r u m o f t h e O r d i n a r y G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y M e e t i n g
A r t i c l e ( 2 7 )
A – T h e m e e t i n g o f t h e O r d i n a r y G e n e r a l Assembly shall be valid if it is attended by at least
51% of the members. If such quorum is not reached, the meeting shall be postponed to a
date not exceeding (30) thirty days from the date set for the first meeting. The new meeting
shall be valid whatever the number of attendees is.
B – T h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y s h a l l i s s u e i t s resolutions by a majority of (51%) of the votes of the
m e m b e r s p r e s e n t .
C – I f a m e m b e r o f t h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y h as a personal interest in the matter considered by
the General Assembly, then such member may not participate in voting on the decisions of
t h e B o a r d .
D- Meetings of the General Assembly may be attended, and its resolutions may be voted on
o n l y i n p e r s o n . N o o t h e r p e r s o n m a y b e d e l e g a t e d t o a t t e n d o r v o t e i n s u c h m e e t i n g .
M e e t i n g s o f t h e E x t r a o r d i n a r y G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y
A r t i c l e ( 2 8 )
T h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y m a y b e i n v i t e d t o a n e x t r a o r d i n a r y m e e t i n g a t t h e r e q u e s t o f t h e C D A ,
the Board of Directors or a third of the members. If the Board fails to invite the General
Assembly at the request of the CDA or the members, then the CDA shall invite the General
A s s e m b l y t o c o n v e n e a t t h e e x p e n s e o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n .
T e r m s o f R e f e r e n c e o f t h e E x t r a o r d i n a r y G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y
A r t i c l e ( 2 9 )
A – T h e E x t r a o r d i n a r y G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y s h a l l c o n s i d e r t h e f o l l o w i n g m a t t e r s :
1- D e c i d i n g o n r e s i g n a t i o n s s u b m i t t e d b y a l l o r s o m e o f t h e m e m b e r s o f t h e B o a r d o f
D i r e c t o r s , i f s u c h r e s i g n a t i o n s a d v e r s e l y a f f e c t t h e q u o r u m r e q u i r e d f o r i t s m e e t i n g s ;
2- Justifiable lapse of membership of one or more members of the Board of Directors,
a f t e r o b t a i n i n g t h e p r i o r w r i t t e n a p p r o v a l o f t h e C D A ;
3- T e r m i n a t i n g t h e t e r m o f o f f i c e o f t h e m e m b e r s o f t h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s p r i o r t o i t s
e x p i r y a n d e l e c t i n g a n e w B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s ;

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

4- P r o p o s i n g t h e m e r g e r o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n w i t h a n o t h e r s i m i l a r N o n –
governmental Association having the same objectives, provided that the General
Assembly of the other Non-governmental Association shall take the same decision. In
a l l c a s e s , t h e p r i o r w r i t t e n c o n s e n t o f t h e C D A s h a l l b e o b t a i n e d ;
5- R e v o c a t i o n o f a n y o f t h e B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s ‘ r e s o l u t i o n s ;
6- A m e n d m e n t o f t h e A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n ; a n d
7- C o n s i d e r a t i o n o f a n y u r g e n t o r e m e r g e n c y m a t t e r s a n d a n y o t h e r m a t t e r s s p e c i f i e d b y
t h e A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n .
B – S u b j e c t t o t h e p r o v i s i o n s o f p aragraph (a) of this Article, the Extraordinary General
A s s e m b l y m a y n o t c o n s i d e r a n y m a t t e r s n o t i n c l u d e d i n i t s a g e n d a .
Q u o r u m o f E x t r a o r d i n a r y G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y M e e t i n g s
A r t i c l e ( 3 0 )
A – T h e m e e t i n g o f t h e E x t r a o r d i n a r y G e n e r al Assembly shall be valid if it is attended by two
thirds of the members. If such quorum is not reached, then the meeting shall be postponed
to another date not exceeding fifteen (15) days from the date set for the first meeting. The
second meeting shall be valid if it is attended by half of the members. Should the quorum be
not reached in the second meeting, there shall be a call to a third meeting with the same
deadline for the second meeting. The third meeting shall be valid whatever the number of
attendees is.
B – T h e E x t r a o r d i n a r y G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y s hall issue its resolutions unanimously or by a two-
t h i r d m a j o r i t y o f t h e m e m b e r s p r e s e n t .
F i n a n c i a l R e s o u r c e s o f N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 3 1 )
T h e f i n a n c i a l r e s o u r c e s o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l c o n s i s t o f t h e f o l l o w i n g :
1- M e m b e r s ‘ s u b s c r i p t i o n s ;
2- The returns of the activities, services and investments the Non-governmental
A s s o c i a t i o n i s l i c e n s e d t o p r a c t i s e ; a n d
3- D o n a t i o n s , g r a n t s , g i f t s a n d w i l l s r e c e i v e d b y t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n a n d
approved by the CDA in accordance with the legislation in force in the Emirate.
Funds of Non-governmental Associations
A r t i c l e ( 3 2 )
T h e f u n d s o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n a r e p r o p e r t y o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l
Association. Its members may not claim any right in such funds. The member who has
withdrawn from the Non-governmental Association, has been dismissed therefrom, or

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

whose membership in the Non-governmental Association has been lapsed may not claim
t h e i r c o n t r i b u t i o n s o r a n y p a r t o f i t s f u n d s .
Depositing the Funds of Non-governmental Associations
A r t i c l e ( 3 3 )
T h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l d e p o s i t i t s c a s h m o n e y i n i t s n a m e i n o n e o r m o r e
accounts at any of the licensed national banks in the Emirate. It shall notify the CDA of such
account and any change in the type of account or the bank in which it has deposited its
funds within (10) ten working days from the date of such change.
Spending the Funds of Non-governmental Associations
A r t i c l e ( 3 4 )
A- The Non-governmental Association shall spend its funds for the purposes for which it was
established. It may not trade or enter financial speculations or distribute any revenues or
returns to the members of its Board of Directors, founders, members of the General
A s s e m b l y o r e m p l o y e e s .
B – A f t e r o b t a i n i n g t h e a p p r o v a l o f the CDA and the Concerned Authorities in the Emirate,
the Non-governmental Association may invest its funds in excess of its needs in order to
achieve a return that will help it achieve its objectives, and in a manner not inconsistent
w i t h t h e l e g i s l a t i o n i n f o r c e i n t h e E m i r a t e .
C h a p t e r T h r e e
N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n
N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n ‘ s A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 3 5 )
A – T h e A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n s h a l l i n c l u d e t h e
following basic details:
1- The name and geographical scope of the Non-governmental Institution and its
headquarters in the Emirate;
2- T h e p u r p o s e f o r w h i c h i t w a s e s t a b l i s h e d a n d t h e t a r g e t g r o u p s o f i t s a c t i v i t i e s ;
3- A detailed statement of the funds to be allocated to achieve the objectives of the Non-
g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n ;
4- Regulation of the management of the Non-governmental Institution, including the
method of appointing the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees and the
manner of appointing the Director; and
5- The conditions for voluntary dissolution of the Non-governmental Institution and the

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

l i q u i d a t i o n r u l e s t h e r e o f .
B – A N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n m ay be established by an official document or by an
attested will. Such document or will shall be deemed to be the Articles of Association of the
Non-governmental Institution. The Director-General shall issue a decision specifying the
conditions and procedures for the establishment of Non-governmental Institutions in the
E m i r a t e .
B o a r d o f T r u s t e e s o f N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 3 6 )
A- The Non-governmental Institution shall be managed by a Board of Trustees in accordance
with its Articles of Association, consisting of a Chairman and members of at least (5) five
persons, including at least o n e o f t h e n a t i o n a l s o f t h e S t a t e .
B- The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall represent the Non-governmental Institution
b e f o r e c o u r t s a n d o t h e r s .
C- The Board of Trustees shall be governed by the provisions provided for herein regarding the
Board of Directors and to the extent appropriate to the nature of the Non-governmental
I n s t i t u t i o n .
Application of the Provisions of this Law to Non-governmental Institutions
A r t i c l e ( 3 7 )
Non-governmental Institutions shall be governed by the provisions provided for herein
relating to the Non-governmental Institutions’ licensing, registration procedures, and
obligations, as well as other provisions to the ext e n t a p p r o p r i a t e t o t h e i r n a t u r e .
C h a p t e r F o u r
N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l O r g a n i z a t i o n o r ” N G O ”
N G O ‘ s O b l i g a t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 3 8 )
T h e N G O :
1- Shall comply with the legislation in force in the Emirate, and the resolutions,
r e g u l a t i o n s a n d i n s t r u c t i o n s i s s u e d b y t h e C D A ;
2- S h a l l c o m p l y w i t h t h e t e r m s o f L i c e n c e ;
3- M a y n o t t o d e p a r t f r o m t h e p u r p o s e s s p e c i f i e d i n t h e A r t i c l e s o f A s s o c i a t i o n ;
4- May not engage in any unauthorized activity without obtaining the prior written

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

approval of the CDA and Concerned Authorities in the Emirate;
5- May not practise any commercial activity without obtaining the prior written
consent of the CDA and the Concerned Authorities, and obtaining a licence from the
Competent Authority concerned with commercial licensing, provided that the proceeds
o f s u c h c o m m e r c i a l a c t i v i t y s h a l l b e d e d i c a t e d t o s e r v i n g i t s o b j e c t i v e s ;
6- Shall obtain the prior approval of the CDA before opening any bank account with one
of the national banks licensed to operate in the Emirate, provided that the withdrawal
from such account shall be made by the signing of two persons with capacity in the
NGO to be determined by the Board;
7- Shall provide the place where it will conduct its activities, provided that such place
shall be in compliance with the requirements laid down by the CDA and the Concerned
A u t h o r i t i e s i n t h i s r e g a r d ;
8- May not interfere in politics, or incite hatred, sectarian, racial, religious or ethnic
conflicts or any issues related to the security of the State and its regime;
9- S h a l l d e p o s i t a l l c a s h r e c e i v e d i n i t s b a n k a c c o u n t b e f o r e d i s b u r s i n g i t o n i t s a c t i v i t i e s ;
10- Shall respond to the reports, observations, enquiries and correspondence of
the CDA within the deadlines specified by the CDA for this purpose;
11- Shall obtain a written approval from the CDA in the event of organizing or
participating in conferences, seminars, meetings, lectures or any other activities within
or outside the State, provided that the application for such approval is submitted (21)
twenty one days from the date of such event. The CAD shall issue its decision in this
r e s p e c t w i t h i n ( 5 ) f i v e w o r k i n g d a y s f r o m t h e d a t e o f a p p l i c a t i o n ;
12- May not form any entity with any other association within or outside the
S t a t e ;
13- May not open branches outside the State, and may not be a branch or a party
a f f i l i a t e d t o a n y a s s o c i a t i o n o u t s i d e t h e S t a t e ;
14- Shall obtain the prior written approval of the CDA when inviting or hosting
any VIPs to/in the Emirate;
15- S h a l l m a i n t a i n r e c o r d s r e l a t i n g t o t h e a c t i v i t i e s o f t h e N G O a n d m a k e s u c h
records include the details to be determined by a dec i s i o n o f t h e D i r e c t o r – G e n e r a l ;
16- S h a l l e n a b l e t h e C D A ‘ s s t a f f o r t he CDA’s authorized persons to inspect and
c h e c k a t a n y t i m e t h e N G O ‘ s r e c o r d s , d o c u m e n t s a n d b o o k s ;
17- May not enter into an agreement, coordination or cooperation with
institutions or entities outside the State;
18- May not affiliate, participate in, or merge into any association or institution
outside the State without obtaining the approval of the CDA; and
19- May not use its own facilities in purposes other than those for which they
were established, or use them for sleeping and lodging, except for those who guard
such facilities.
D o n a t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 3 9 )
T h e N G O m a y c o l l e c t d o n a t i o n s o r allow them to be collected or advertise fundraising

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

through the audiovisual, readable, visual means of communication, or social media only
after obtaining the prior written consent of the CDA and the Concerned Authority in this
r e g a r d .
D e t a i l s a n d I n f o r m a t i o n R e l a t e d t o t h e A f f a i r s o f N G O s
A r t i c l e ( 4 0 )
T h e N G O s h a l l p r o v i d e t h e C D A w i t h t h e d e t a i l s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n i t r e q u e s t s r e g a r d i n g t h e
NGO’s organizational affairs, and local or external act i v i t i e s , i n p a r t i c u l a r t h e f o l l o w i n g :
1- The NGO’s annual plans and work programmes, including its social programmes;
2- The establishments and organizations with which the NGO cooperates within and
o u t s i d e t h e E m i r a t e ;
3- T h e e x t e r n a l c o n t r i b u t i o n s t h e N G O p l a n s t o m a k e ;
4- The audio, visual or printed materials produced, published or distributed by the
NGO. In all cases, the written consent of the CDA shall be obtained prior to such
production or distribution.
5- T h e N G O ‘ s s t a t e m e n t s o f b a n k a c c o u n t s o n t h e d a t e s d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e C D A ,
provided that such statements i n c l u d e a l l t h e N G O ‘ s f i n a n c i a l t r a n s a c t i o n s ;
6- T h e d e t a i l s , r e c o r d s , b o o k s a n d d o c u m e n t s r e q u i r e d b y t h e C D A ;
7- A c o p y o f t h e N G O ‘ s a n n u a l b u d g et and final account, within a period not exceeding
(4) four months from the date of the end of the financial year, after being approved by
one of the auditing offices accredited by the CDA, along with supporting documents
a n d a d e t a i l e d r e p o r t t h e r e o n ;
8- A c o p y o f t h e f i n a n c i a l b a l a n c e o f t h e N G O s f o r t h e s u b s e q u e n t y e a r w i t h i n ( 1 5 )
f i f t e e n d a y s f r o m t h e d a t e o f i t s a p p r o v a l ; a n d
9- A c o p y o f t h e m i n u t e s o f t h e N G O ‘ s m e e t i n g s a n d a b r i e f a n n u a l r e p o r t o n i t s w o r k
a n d a c t i v i t i e s .
N G O s ‘ A d m i n i s t r a t i v e O r g a n i z a t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 4 1 )
T h e C D A s h a l l t a k e a l l n e c e s s a r y m e a s u r e s t o e n s u r e p r o p e r a d m i n i s t r a t i v e o r g a n i z a t i o n o f
the NGOs. For such purpose, the CDA may require any information or details it deems
n e c e s s a r y , i n p a r t i c u l a r t h e f o l l o w i n g :
1- T h e N G O s ‘ f u l l – t i m e , p a r t – t i m e , a n d v o l u n t e e r i n g e m p l o y e e s ‘ n a m e s , p e r s o n a l a n d
professional details, passport copies, and resumes;
2- The organizational structure and terms of reference of the administrative units and
t h e i r f u n c t i o n s ;
3- T h e N G O ‘ s i n t e r n a l r e g u l a t i o n s , i n s t r u c t i o n s a n d o p e r a t i o n a l m a n u a l s ; a n d
4- A survey of the NGO’s activities, services and beneficiaries’ details.

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

C h a p t e r F i v e
C o n t r o l a n d S u p e r v i s i o n
F i n a n c i a l C o n t r o l
A r t i c l e ( 4 2 )
N G O s s h a l l b e s u b j e c t t o t h e f i n a n c i a l control of the CDA in order to ascertain the sources of
income and types of expenditure and the proper use of the NGOs’ financial and in-kind
resources for the purposes and projects carried out by NGOs in accordance with their
Articles of Association in a manner that achieves the purposes for which the NGOs were
e s t a b l i s h e d .
S u p e r v i s i o n o f t h e N G O s ‘ P r o g r a m m e s
A r t i c l e ( 4 3 )
The CDA shall supervise the NGOs’ programmes and projects within the scope of their
objectives set forth in their Articles of Association. The CDA may organize training courses
and provide technical advice and various aspects of care for any of the same so as to enable
them to achieve their objectives and raise the level of their services.
C o n t r o l a n d I n s p e c t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 4 4 )
A- The CDA’s staff shall have the power to control and inspect NGOs. For such purpose, they
m a y :
1- Have access to the NGO and its various facilities for the purpose of controlling and
detecting violations, and have access to all the records and documents it holds; and
2- O b t a i n a n y d o c u m e n t s h e l d b y t h e N G O .
B- Shall be liable to legal accountability any person who:
1- Does not allow the CDA’s staff to perform the duties assigned to them hereunder and
u n d e r t h e d e c i s i o n s i s s u e d h e r e u n d e r ;
2- R e f r a i n s f r o m p r o v i d i n g a n y i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t m a y a f f e c t t h e C D A ‘ s i n v e s t i g a t i o n s ;
3- R e f r a i n s f r o m r e s p o n d i n g t o t h e CDA’s observations or correspondence or delays in
r e s p o n d i n g t o t h e m w i t h o u t a n a c c e p t a b l e e x c u s e ;
4- R e f r a i n s f r o m i m p l e m e n t i n g a n y o f t h e m e a s u r e s r e q u i r e d b y t h e C D A ;
5- C o v e r s a n y i n c i d e n t o r c a s e t h a t m u s t b e r e f e r r e d t o t h e C D A f o r i n v e s t i g a t i o n i n
a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e p r o v i s i o n s h e r e o f ; o r
6- A c t s i n a n y o t h e r w a y t h a t w o u l d o b s t r u c t t h e w o r k o f t h e C D A ‘ s s t a f f .

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

P r o c e d u r e s f o r P r o v i n g V i o l a t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 4 5 )
T h e D i r e c t o r – G e n e r a l , o r h i s a u t h o r i z e d r e p r e s e n t a t i v e , m a y t a k e o n e o r m o r e o f t h e
following actions when the NGO commits any violation of the provisions hereof and of the
d e c i s i o n s i s s u e d h e r e u n d e r :
1- Instructing the offending body to conduct a preliminary investigation of the violation
committed and submit such investigation to the CDA.
2- F o r m i n g a c o m m i t t e e f r o m a m o n g t h e C D A ‘ s s t a f f t o i n v e s t i g a t e t h e v i o l a t i o n
c o m m i t t e d .
3- Suspend the employee responsible for committing the violation until the
i n v e s t i g a t i o n i s c o m p l e t e d .
4- Seizure of papers, documents, records and any other matters used in committing the
v i o l a t i o n .
5- Instructing the Board to impose a disciplinary penalty on the offending employee in
accordance with the regulations in force in the NGOs. The Board shall impose this
penalty within fifteen (15) days from the date of such instruction, and shall send such
papers to the CDA, and notify the CDA of the disciplinary measure taken.
6- R e f e r r i n g t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n p a p e r s t o the Public Prosecution if it is found that the
m a t t e r i n v o l v e s a c r i m e p u n i s h a b l e b y l a w .
7- C l o s i n g t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n i f n o v i o l a t i o n i s f o u n d .
A d m i n i s t r a t i v e V i o l a t i o n s a n d P e n a l t i e s
A r t i c l e ( 4 6 )
A – W i t h o u t p r e j u d i c e t o a n y h e a v i e r p enalty provided for in any other legislation, any person
who contravenes the provisions hereof and of the decisions issued hereunder shall be
s u b j e c t t o t h e f o l l o w i n g p e n a l t i e s :
1- W a r n i n g ;
2- A fine of not less than (AED 500) five hundred dirhams and not more than (AED
100,000) one hundred thousand dirhams. Such fine shall be doubled in the event of the
recurrence of the same offence within one year from the date of the previous offence,
but not to exceed (AED 200,000) two hundred thousand dirhams;
3- S u s p e n s i o n o f t h e N G O ‘ s a c t i v i t y f o r a p e r i o d n o t e x c e e d i n g ( 3 ) t h r e e m o n t h s ;
4- D i s s o l u t i o n o f t h e B o a r d ; o r
5- N G O ‘ s C l o s i n g , D i s s o l u t i o n , a n d L i c e n c e R e v o c a t i o n .
B – T h e g r a d e d p e n a l t i e s s t i p u l a t e d i n paragraph (a) of this Article shall not be considered as
significant. The CDA may impose the appropriate penalty on the NGO in accordance with
t h e s e r i o u s n e s s a n d g r a v i t y o f t h e v i o l a t i o n c o m m i t t e d .

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

C- In addition to the penalties prescribed under paragraph (a) of this Article, the CDA may
require the NGO to remove the reasons for the violation within the deadline determined by
the CDA. Otherwise, the CDA may remove the reasons for the violation and recourse on the
N G O f o r t h e c o s t s i n c u r r e d b y t h e C D A i n t h i s r e s p e c t .
D i s s o l u t i o n , L i q u i d a t i o n a n d D e l i s t i n g
A r t i c l e ( 4 7 )
A- The Director-General may compulsorily dissolve the NGO by a reasoned decision in any of
t h e f o l l o w i n g c a s e s :
1- I f i t i s p r o v e d t h a t t h e N G O h a s c o m m i t t e d a c t s c o n t r a r y t o t h e p u b l i c o r d e r o r m o r a l s .
2- The issuance of a final court judgment convicting the NGO with acts that harm the
p u b l i c i n t e r e s t .
3- I f t h e n u m b e r o f m e m b e r s i n t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n i s l e s s t h a n t h e
n u m b e r s t i p u l a t e d i n A r t i c l e 8 ( a ) h e r e o f .
4- I f i t t u r n s o u t t h a t i t s a c t i o n s d o n ot meet the objectives for which it was established or
t h a t i t i s n o t l o n g e r a b l e t o a c h i e v e s u c h o b j e c t i v e s .
5- If it disposes of its funds in other than the specified channels.
6- I f i t b e c o m e s u n a b l e t o m e e t i t s f i n a n c i a l o b l i g a t i o n s .
7- If it refuses to undergo an inspection, impairs the work of the CDA’s inspectors, or
p r o v i d e s i n c o r r e c t o r f a l s e i n f o r m a t i o n .
8- I f i t c o m m i t s a s e r i o u s b r e a c h o f i t s A r t icles of Association or the provisions hereof or
t h e l a w s i n f o r c e i n t h e E m i r a t e .
9- I f t h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y o f t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n f a i l s t o c o n v e n e f o r t w o
c o n s e c u t i v e y e a r s .
10- If it fails to adjust its situation in accordance with the provisions of Article (54) hereof.
B- The decision to dissolve the NGO shall include the deadline of the dissolution. The
D i r e c t o r – G e n e r a l m a y e x t e n d s u c h d e a d l i n e i n t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s t h a t s o r e q u i r e .
C- The CDA shall appoint one or more liquidators for a consideration to be paid out from the
N G O ‘ s f u n d s .
D- The dissolved Non-governmental Association shall continue to enjoy its legal personality
to the extent necessary for the completion of the liquidation proceedings.
E- The Director-General shall issue a decision to de-list the NGO from the Register of the
NGOs after the completion of the liquidation proceedings. This decision shall be published in
the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai and in two wide-spread daily newspapers.
C a p a c i t y o f J u d i c i a l O f f i c e r s
A r t i c l e ( 4 8 )

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

A – T h e C D A s t a f f m e m b e r s n o m i n a t e d b y virtue of a decision by the Director-General shall
have the capacity of judicial officers in terms of proving acts committed in violation of the
provisions hereof and of the decisions issued hereunder. For such purpose, they may enter
NGOs and their facilities, and issue the necessary violation reports in this regard, and may
s e e k t h e a s s i s t a n c e o f t h e p o l i c e , i f n e c e s s a r y .
B- If the offence committed by the NGOs involves an crime punishable by law, then the CDA
s h a l l r e f e r s u c h v i o l a t i o n t o t h e c o m p e t e n t j u d i c i a l a u t h o r i t y .
V o l u n t a r y D i s s o l u t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 4 9 )
Subject to the provisions of Article (47) hereof, the NGO may be voluntarily dissolved as
specified in its Articles of Association, provided that the CDA is notified of such dissolution
thirty (30) days prior the date fixed for such dissolution.
T e c h n i c a l C o n t r o l
A r t i c l e ( 5 0 )
W i t h o u t p r e j u d i c e t o t h e r o l e o f t he CDA in controlling and supervising NGOs, the concerned
governmental bodies shall control the activities of such NGOs in accordance with their
a p p l i c a b l e l e g i s l a t i o n .
C h a p t e r S i x
G e n e r a l P r o v i s i o n s
D i s p o s a l o f t h e F u n d s o f t h e N G O s a f t e r D i s s o l u t i o n
A r t i c l e ( 5 1 )
The persons in charge of the NGO that has been dissolved, whether compulsorily or
voluntarily, may not dispose of its funds and documents. The Director-General shall issue a
decision specifying the manner of disposing of its funds and documents and the body to
which its rights and obligations shall be transferred, taking into account that, upon the
issuance of such decision, the founder of the Non-governmental Institution is enabled to
recover his movable and immovable property, after paying the liabilities of the Non-
governmental Institution towards third parties, and deducting donations and grants
o b t a i n e d b y t h e N o n – g o v e r n m e n t a l I n s t i t u t i o n .
M e m b e r s o f B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s ‘ R e m u n e r a t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 5 2 )

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

B y a r e s o l u t i o n o f t h e G e n e r a l A s s embly, and after obtaining the prior written approval of
the CDA, remunerations may be paid to the members of the Board of Directors along with
any other financial allowances in respect of performing their duties.
G o v e r n a n c e o f B o a r d s
A r t i c l e ( 5 3 )
T h e C D A s h a l l e n a c t a c o d e o f g o v e r n a nce of Boards, and circulate it to NGOs which shall be
bound by such code.
A d j u s t m e n t o f S i t u a t i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 5 4 )
The NGOs existing in the Emirate when this Law enters into force shall adjust their situations
and amend their Articles of Association in accordance with provisions hereof within one
year from the date of such entry. The Director-General may extend such period for a similar
period in the cases so require. Otherwise, the necessary action and measures to dissolve
and liquidate the offending NGOs in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be taken.
S e e k i n g A s s i s t a n c e o f G o v e r n m e n t A u t h o r i t i e s
A r t i c l e ( 5 5 )
For the purpose of fulfilling its powers provided for herein, the CDA may seek the assistance
of the governmental authorities in the Emirate. Such governmental authorities shall provide
a s s i s t a n c e t o t h e C D A w h e n e v e r r e q u e s t e d .
G r i e v a n c e
A r t i c l e ( 5 6 )
A- Any interested party may lodge a complaint in writing to the Director-General regarding
the decisions, procedures or measures taken against such party hereunder within thirty (30)
days from the date of notification of such decisions, procedures or measures or from the
date of expiration of the period stipulated in par a g r a p h ( c ) o f A r t i c l e ( 1 1 ) h e r e o f .
B- The grievance referred to in paragraph (a) of this Article shall be decided on within (30)
thirty days from the date of its submission by a committee formed by the Director-General
for this purpose. The decision on the grievance shall be final. Nonetheless, it may be
c h a l l e n g e d b e f o r e t h e c o m p e t e n t c o u r t .
F e e s
A r t i c l e ( 5 7 )

D u b a i G o v e r n m e n t – O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e I s s u e N o ( 4 1 8 ) – Y e a r ( 5 1 ) – 2 4 S h a w w a l 1 4 3 8 A H , C o r r e s p o n d i n g t o 1 8 J u l y 2 0 1 7 A D .

For the licence and the services it provides under the provisions hereof and of the decisions
issued hereunder, the CDA shall collect the fees determined by a decision of the Chairman
of the Executive Board.
A c c r u a l o f F e e s a n d F i n e s
A r t i c l e ( 5 8 )
The fees and fines collected hereunder and under the decisions issued hereunder shall
a c c r u e t o t h e P u b l i c T r e a s u r y o f t h e G o v e r n m e n t o f D u b a i .
I s s u a n c e o f E x e c u t i v e D e c i s i o n s
A r t i c l e ( 5 9 )
T h e D i r e c t o r – G e n e r a l s h a l l i s s u e t h e n e c e s s a r y d e c i s i o n s t o i m p l e m e n t t h e p r o v i s i o n s h e r e o f ,
and they shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai.
R e p e a l
A r t i c l e ( 6 0 )
Local Order No. (96) of 1995, as amended, referred to above is hereby repealed. Any
provision in any other legislation is hereby repealed to the extent that it contradicts with the
p r o v i s i o n s h e r e o f .
P u b l i c a t i o n a n d E n t r y i n t o F o r c e
A r t i c l e ( 6 1 )
T h e p r e s e n t L a w s h a l l b e p u b l i s h e d i n t h e O f f i c i a l G a z e t t e a n d s h a l l c o m e i n t o f o r c e a s o f t h e
d a t e o f i t s p u b l i c a t i o n .

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
R u l e r o f D u b a i
Issued in Dubai on 15 June, 2017 AD

Corresponding to 20 Ramadan 1438 AH