1. The Register of Public Welfare Associations, to be created at the Ministry pursuant to Article (7) of the aforementioned Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023, shall constitute a central database for Public Welfare Associations operating in the State. It shall contain all the data and information about these associations, including their activities and any updates to the same.
2. The register shall include the following data and information:
    a. The name, headquarter, and geographic scope of operation of the Public Welfare Association;
    b. The license number and date of issue of the Public Welfare Association;
    c. The registration number and date of the Public Welfare Association;
    d. The legal form of the Public Welfare Association;
    e. The licensing authority of the Public Welfare Association;
    f. The classification of the Public Welfare Association according to the Classification Guide referred to in Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023;
    g. The activities and objectives of the Public Welfare Association;
    h. The data of founding members of the Public Welfare Association;
    i. The sources of financial resources of the Public Welfare Association;
    j. The name and details of the Public Welfare Association’s director, chairman of the board of directors, or chairman of the board of trustees; and
    k. Any other data or information determined by the Ministry in coordination with local authorities.
3. The following procedures shall apply when the data and information relating to Public Welfare Associations are being recorded in the register.
    a. The Ministry shall record the data and information related to Public Welfare Associations mentioned in Clause (2) of this Article in the register.
    b. The Competent Authority shall record the data and information specified in Clause (2) of this Article for Public Welfare Associations established pursuant to decrees or local laws, not later than three (3) months from the effective date of the Executive Regulations of the Decree-Law or their establishment.
    c. Each Public Welfare Association shall have a (registration number) with the Ministry, to be assigned thereto once it is registered in the register.
4. The Public Welfare Association shall keep the Ministry notified of any change or amendment to the data or information recorded in the register, not later than ten (10) working days from the date of occurrence of the change or amendment, in accordance with the procedures established by the Ministry. The Ministry shall keep the Competent Authority notified of the change or amendment made to the register not later than seven (7) working days from the date of updating the register.

Each Association shall have an approved By-laws to be created by the founding members thereof in accordance with the template form set up by the Ministry in coordination with the Local Authority. The By-laws shall include the following provisions, data and information:
1. The Association’s name, which must be derived from its activities;
2. The Association’s headquarter, geographic scope of operation, and the areas of its activities;
3. The clearly and well defined objectives and purposes of the Association;
4. The activities of the Association;
5. The target audience of the Association’s activities;
6. The names, nationalities, professions, and places of residence of the founding members;
7. The types, conditions, and admission and revocation procedures of membership in the Association;
8. The rights and obligations of members, particularly the right of each member to review documents, data, and reports, as well as the right to attend the General Assembly and vote on its resolutions, as long as they fulfill the requirements;
9. The rules of representation for attending General Assembly meetings;
10. The powers of the Board of Directors, the requirements for its members, the number of its members, the termination of their membership, the procedures for convoking the Board, the validity of its meetings and resolutions, the mechanism of electing the Board of Directors, and the assignment of administrative positions, provided that the Board of Directors shall be by elected by secret ballot;
11. The rules governing re-election of a member of the Board of Directors upon the expiration of the Board's term.
12. The controls and procedures regulating annual and non-annual Ordinary General Assemblies, as well as meetings of the extraordinary General Assemblies in compliance with the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023, referred to hereinabove, and this Resolution;
13. The rules of amending the Association’s By-laws, establishing its branches or merging the Association with other associations, in conformity with the controls and procedures set forth in Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023, referred to hereinabove, and this Resolution;
14. The controls and procedures for carrying out and engaging in activities and events, the rules for joining regional and international organizations, implementation of external projects, and the mechanism of signing agreements and memoranda of cooperation with other parties, in conformity with the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023, referred to hereinabove, and this Resolution;
15. The determination of the Association’s administrative bodies and their respective powers and functioning mechanism, including the Board of Directors, the General Assembly, the director, and the administrative team, all in accordance with the controls and procedures set forth in Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023, referred to hereinabove, and this Resolution;
16. The financial resources of the Association, how they are managed and disposed of, the method for monitoring their disbursement, the start and end of its fiscal year, and the system for retaining imprest account and its value to cover urgent expenses;
17. The conditions, rules, and procedures for the appointment of the staff of the Association, subject to the approval of the Competent Authority;
18. The standards and procedures for selecting and appointing the auditor and its powers, and other relevant provisions; and
19. The conditions governing voluntary liquidation of the Association, its liquidation rules, and the devolution of its assets. The Association By-laws may not stipulate that these assets be transferred to other Public Welfare Associations that engage in activities other than the Association’s activities.
 

1. The authorized member of the provisional committee, shall submit the application for establishment of the Association to the Competent Authority in accordance with the form designated for this purpose, including the following documents and paperwork:
    a. The founding members’ approval of the establishment of the Association;
    b. A copy of the draft Association By-laws, approved by the founding members;
    c. A sample form of the founding members' data, including each member's place of residence, academic qualification, employer, job title, mobile phone number, and email address. The form shall be signed and endorsed by each member, and shall name the authorized member who represents the provisional committee for submitting the establishment application, along with the identification of the remaining members of the provisional committee;
    d. A copy of the passports and Emirates ID cards of the founding members who are UAE nationals; and
    e. A copy of the passport or official document proving the existence of a valid residence permit within the UAE for the founding member who is not a national of the UAE, provided that the duration of their stay in the UAE shall not be less than three (3) years.
2. The Competent Authority shall review the application for establishment of the Association in accordance with the following procedures and regulations:
    a. If the headquarter of the to-be-established Association falls within the geographic scope of the Ministry’s mandate, the Ministry shall review the application and issue a resolution either approving the licensing and announcement of establishment of the Association or rejecting the licensing application within thirty (30) days. In case of rejection, the reasons for rejection shall be explained. 
    b. If the headquarter of the to-be-established Association falls within the geographic scope of the Local Authority’s mandate:
        1) The Local Authority shall review the application and either approve the issuance of the Association's license subject to prior approval of the Ministry, or reject the licensing application. In case of rejection, the reasons for rejection shall be explained.
        2) after the license is issued, the Local Authority shall provide the Ministry with a copy of the application for establishment of the Association, along with the documents and paperwork referred to in Clause (1) of this Article, and a copy of the license issued for the announcement of the Association’s establishment.
        3) The Ministry shall issue a resolution approving the announcement of establishment and registration of the Association, within ten (10) days from the date of receiving the license. Such a resolution shall include the Association’s name, address of its headquarter, areas of activity and operation within the State, objectives, and any other data or information as determined by the Ministry.
        4) The Ministry shall provide the Local Authority with a copy of the establishment announcement resolution as soon as it is issued.
        5) The Local Authority shall provide the Association with a copy of the license and the establishment announcement decision to commence its operation within its defined scope of activity.
3. The Association's license term shall be three (3) years at most, subject to renewal in accordance with the rules and procedures set forth in this Resolution.
 

The Competent Authority shall decide on the renewal of the Association’s license in accordance with the following rules and procedures:
1. The application for renewal of the Association's license shall be submitted to the Competent Authority in accordance with the form designated for this purpose.
2. The renewal application shall include a report on the activities conducted by the Association and a copy of the final accounts for the fiscal year immediately preceding the renewal date, along with any reports, data, or information requested by the Competent Authority.
3. The Competent Authority shall review the renewal application, and shall issue a decision either approving the renewal of the license or rejecting the renewal. In case of rejection, the reasons for rejection shall be explained.
4. The term of the license renewal shall be two (2) years, but the head of the Competent Authority shall have the authority to grant an exemption from this time limit, if justified, provided that the total term does not exceed four (4) years.
5. The license renewal application shall be rejected if the Association meets any of the conditions stipulated in Article (55) of Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 referred to hereinabove.
6. In the event of rejected renewal of the license, and after the expiration of the time limit for filing a grievance, or where the grievance is rejected, the Competent Authority may decide that the Association be dissolved and liquidated in accordance with the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 referred to hereinabove and this Resolution.
 

The duly-registered Associations or their branches may organize and participate in the activities and events, in accordance with the following rules and procedures:
1. Rules and procedures for organizing activities and events, and hosting individuals from within the State:
    a. The Association shall submit an application to the Competent Authority in accordance with the form designated for this purpose, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled date of the relevant activity or event. The application shall include the following data, information, and documents:
        1) The nature of the activity or event and the objective of its organization;
        2) The target audience of the activity or event (entities/individuals);
        3) Data of the organizer of the event;
        4) The date and venue of the event;
        5) The names of the individuals to be hosted, along with a copy of their identity cards or passports;
        6) A summary of the paperwork to be presented during the activity or event;
        7) The approval of the Board of Directors, if the application pertains to any branch of the Association, on the branch’s work plan that covers the activity or event to be organized; and
        8) Any other data, information, or documents as determined by the Competent Authority.
    b. The Competent Authority shall review the application, and shall issue a decision approving or rejecting the application within five (5) working days from the date of submitting the application with all required data, information, and documents satisfied. The submission of additional data, information, or documents shall be deemed an extension of the review period for an equivalent duration.
2. Rules and procedures for hosting individuals from outside the State to participate in activities and events organized by the association
    a. The Association shall submit the application to the Competent Authority in accordance with the form designated for this purpose, at least thirty (30) working days before the scheduled date of the activity or event. The application shall include the data, information, and documents stipulated in Paragraph (a) of Clause (1) of this Article.
    b. In the event that the application is submitted by an Association whose headquarter falls within the geographic scope of the Local Authority’s mandate, the Local Authority shall review the application and issue a preliminary approval or rejection of the application within fifteen (15) working days from the date of submission, provided the application meets all the requirements. The Local Authority may require additional information or documents, and the submission of such documents or information shall be deemed an extension of the review period by an equivalent duration.
    c. The Local Authority shall send the application along with the preliminary approval to the Ministry. The Ministry shall review the application and issue its final approval or rejection resolution within fifteen (15) working days from the date of receiving the application. The Ministry may require any additional data or information from the Local Authority as deemed necessary for the resolution.
    d. In the event that the application is submitted by Associations whose headquarter falls within the geographic scope of the Ministry’s mandate, the Ministry shall review the application and issue its resolution approving or rejecting the application within fifteen (15) working days from the date of submission, provided the application meets all the data, information, and documents outlined in Paragraph (a) of this Clause.
3. Rules and procedures for participating in activities and events outside the State
    a. The Association shall submit the application to the Competent Authority in accordance with the form designated for this purpose, at least fifteen (15) working days before the scheduled date of participation. The application shall include the following data, information, and documents:
        1) The nature and purpose of the activity or event;
        2) Data of the organizer of the activity or event;
        3) The date and venue of the activity or event;
        4) A copy of the invitation sent to the Association, if any, and the approval of the Board of Directors on participation; and
        5) A list of the names and data of the individuals representing the Association in the activity or event, along with a copy of their passports and Emirates ID cards.
    b. In the event that the application is submitted by an Association whose headquarter falls within the geographic scope of the Local Authority’s mandate, the Local Authority shall review the application and issue a preliminary approval or rejection of the application within five (5) working days from the date of submission, provided the application meets all the data, information, and documents as outlined in Paragraph (a) of this Clause.
    c. The Local Authority shall send the application along with the preliminary approval to the Ministry. The Ministry shall review the application and issue its final approval or rejection resolution within five (5) working days from the date of receiving the application. The ministry may require any additional data or information it deems necessary from the Local Authority to make its decision.
    d. In the event that the application is submitted by an Association whose headquarter falls within the geographic scope of the Ministry’s mandate, the Ministry shall review the application and issue its resolution approving or rejecting the application within five (5) working days from the date of submission, provided the application meets all the data, information, and documents outlined in Paragraph (a) of this Clause.
    e. The Association shall provide both the Ministry and the Local Authority with a report on the participation in accordance with the form designated for this purpose, not later than fifteen (15) days from the date of completion of the participation.
 

1. The duly-registered Association may be affiliated with, join, or become a member of any association or organization located outside the State and having similar objects, subject to the following rules and procedures:
    a. The Association shall submit an application to the Competent Authority in accordance with the form designated for this purpose, at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled date of affiliation, membership, or joining. The application shall include the following data and information:
        1) The name of the regional or international association or organization;
        2) The nature of key activities of the regional or international association or organization;
        3) The objectives and purposes of the regional or international association or organization;
        4) The Country of the headquarter of the regional or international association or organization;
        5) A copy of the external association’s / organization’s license and its by-laws or corporate bylaws;
        6) Explanation of how the objectives and purposes of the external association or organization align with the objectives and purposes of the Association; and
        7) Any other data or information determined by the Competent Authority.
    b. In the event that the application is submitted by an Association whose headquarter falls within the geographic scope of the Local Authority’s mandate, the Local Authority shall review the application and issue its preliminary approval or rejection of the application within ten (10) working days from the date of submission, provided the application satisfies all required data and information.
    c. The Local Authority shall send the application along with the preliminary approval to the Ministry. The Ministry shall review the application within ten (10) working days from the date of receipt and may require any additional data or information from the Local Authority as deemed necessary for deciding on the application.
    d. The Ministry shall issue the permission for affiliation, membership or joining after coordinating with the relevant authorities. It may reject the application; in which case, the reasons for rejection shall be explained. The Local Authority shall be notified of the Ministry’s resolution within two working days following its issuance date.
2. Where the application is submitted by an Association whose headquarter falls within the geographic scope of the Ministry’s mandate, the Ministry shall review the application within ten (10) working days from the date of submission, provided the application satisfies all required data and information. The Ministry shall issue the permission for affiliation, membership, or joining, or shall may reject the application, while explaining the reasons for rejection.
 

The Association may engage in any activities or carry out any projects outside the State that fall within the scope of its objectives, subject to the following controls:
1. The Association shall submit an application to the Competent Authority in accordance with the form designated for this purpose, at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled date for engaging in the activity or carrying out the project. The application shall include the following data and information:
    a. The nature of the activity the Association intends to carry out or the project to be executed;
    b. Explanation of how the activity or project aligns with the objectives and purposes of the Association; and
    c. Any other data or information as determined by the Competent Authority.
2. Where the application is submitted by an Association whose headquarter falls within the geographic scope of the Local Authority’s mandate, the Local Authority shall review the application in coordination with the relevant authorities and issue its preliminary approval or rejection of the same within ten (10) working days from the date of submission, provided the application satisfies all required data and information.
3. The Local Authority shall send the application along with its approval to the Ministry. The Ministry shall review the application within ten (10) working days from the date of receipt in coordination with the relevant authorities. The Ministry may require any additional data or information it deems necessary from the Local Authority for deciding on the application. The Ministry shall issue a resolution approving or rejecting the application. In case of rejection, the reasons for rejection shall be explained.
4. Where the application is submitted by an Association whose headquarter falls within the geographic scope of the Ministry’s mandate, the Ministry shall review the application in coordination with the relevant authorities, and shall issue a resolution approving or rejecting the application within ten (10) working days from the date of submission, provided the application satisfies all required data and information.
5. The Association shall provide the Ministry and the Local Authority with a report on the external project executed outside the State, in accordance with the relevant form issued by the Ministry for this purpose. This report shall be submitted not later than fifteen (15) days from the date of completion of the project.
 

The Association shall keep, at its headquarter, the records and documents related to its operations and activities, which include the following:
1. Administrative Records and Documents
    a. Register of members’ data.
    b. Minutes of board meetings.
    c. Minutes of general assembly meetings, duly endorsed and approved by the Competent Authority.
    d. Periodic reports concerning the activities and programs to be carried out, as well as achievement reports.
    e. Detailed reports on external participations or projects.
    f. The approved By-laws. 
    g. The regulations, decisions, and circulars issued by the Competent Authority.
    h. Policies, regulations, decisions, and internal circulars.
    i. The organizational and administrative structure.
    j. Memoranda and agreements of understanding and cooperation.
    k. Contracts concluded with other bodies.
    l. Licenses owned by the Public Welfare Association, if any, and permits obtained from the competent authorities.
    m. Permissions for membership in regional and international associations and organizations.
    n. Employment contracts of the Association's staff, their employment data, and copies of official documents verifying their identities, academic qualifications, and professional experience.
    o. Outgoing and incoming communications registers.
    p. Electronic programs and systems related to the Association's activities.
2. Financial Records and Documents
    a. Accounting books for revenues and expenses of all types, supported by original invoices and documents.
    b. Detailed records of donors, donations, gifts, grants, bequests, and aids received or collected by the Association, in accordance with the applicable laws in the State.
    c. Accounting and financial records.
    d. Receipts and payment vouchers.
    e. Closing accounts and auditors’ reports.
    f. Estimated budgets.
    g. Fixed assets register.
    h. Reports of inventory count of fixed assets, loans and treasury.
3. The records, documents, and publications of the Public Welfare Association shall contain its name, number and date of its registration and license.
4. The Association shall retain the aforementioned records and documents in an electronic or paper format.
5. The records, documents, and publications of the Association shall include its name, number and date of registration and license.
6. The Association shall retain the above-mentioned records and documents for not less than 5 (five) years for administrative records and documents, and not less than 10 (ten) years for financial records and documents. The Association may not destroy any of these records after the expiration of the retention period unless approved by the Competent Authority.

1. An association wishing to establish branches within the State shall satisfy the following requirements:
    a. A sufficient number of members must be residing permanently in the Emirate where the branch is required to be established, not less than 7 (seven) members.
    b. The approval by the General Assembly of the headquarter must be issued for the establishment of the branch.
2. The Association may establish one or more branches within the geographic scope of the Emirate having the jurisdiction over its headquarter, in accordance with the rules and procedures determined by the Competent Authority. The Association shall notify the Ministry of the same within 7 (seven) working days from the issuance date of the branch's license.
3. The Association may establish one or more branches outside the geographic scope of the emirate in which its headquarter is located, in accordance with the following procedures:
    a. The Association shall submit an application for establishment of a branch to the Competent Authority within the geographic scope of which the headquarter of the Association is located, according to the relevant form, along with the supporting documents confirming the accuracy of the data provided in the form. The Competent Authority shall approve or reject the application within 15 (fifteen) days from the date of its submission. In case of rejection, the reasons for rejection shall be explained.
    b. After the approval decision is issued by the Competent Authority, the Association shall submit the application to the Competent Authority in the emirate in which the branch is to be established, according to the relevant form, together with the approval, the branch's by-laws, including all administrative, financial, organizational, and procedures and controls for the branch, a list of members’ data, and any other required data or information as determined by the Competent Authority.
    c. The Competent Authority in the Emirate in which the branch is to be established shall review and decide on the application within 15 (fifteen) days. The decision shall approve or reject the establishment of the branch. In case of rejection, the reasons for rejection shall be explained.
    d. In the event of approval, the Competent Authority shall issue the license for the branch to commence its operations within the geographic scope of the emirate.
    e. The Competent Authority shall record the branch's details in the Register and provide the Ministry with a copy of the branch's license within 7 (seven) days from the date of its issuance.
4. A branch of the Association may not implement any projects, initiatives, or programs outside the geographic scope of the Emirate within the geographic scope of which it is located.
5. Notwithstanding Article (8) of this Resolution, the branch shall be subject to the headquarter of the Association in terms of all financial, administrative, organizational, and technical matters.
 

1. The Association may relocate its headquarter from one Emirate to another within the State, subject to the following conditions:
    a. The Extraordinary General Assembly must approve the relocation of the headquarter; and
    b. The Competent Authority within the geographic scope of which the Association's headquarter is located must approve the relocation.
2. The Association shall submit an application for relocating its headquarter to the Competent Authority in the target Emirate. The Competent Authority shall issue a decision approving the relocation along with issuing the license, or rejecting the application with the reasons for rejection explained, within 15 (fifteen) days from the date of submission of the application satisfying all requirements. 
3. The Competent Authority shall provide the Ministry with a copy of the license issued regarding the relocation of the headquarter within 7 (seven) days, for making necessary amendments to the establishment announcement resolution.
4. The ministry shall amend the Association’s establishment announcement resolution, and shall provide the Competent Authority in both Emirates with the amended establishment announcement resolution.
5. The Competent Authority in the Emirate from which the Association is relocated shall issue a decision revoking the license issued thereby within 10 (ten) working days from the date it is notified of the new establishment announcement resolution.

The Ministry or the Local Authority may suspend or remove any member of the Association's Board of Directors, including the Chairperson, according to the following procedures:
1. The Competent Authority shall monitor any violations or wrongful acts committed by any member of the Board of Directors.
2. The Competent Authority shall investigate the facts related to these violations or wrongful acts and verify their validity in coordination with the Board of Directors.
3. The Ministry or the Local Authority may issue a resolution either suspending the board member for a period not exceeding 3 (three) months, extendable for a similar period, with a maximum duration of one year, or removing them from the board membership.
4. In the event of suspension or removal of the member, the Board of Directors shall appoint a replacement from the alternate members of the board, if any, or fill the vacancy at the first meeting of the General Assembly.
 

1. Based upon a proposal from the Board of Directors and the approval of the General Assembly, a member of the Board of Directors may receive a remuneration in consideration of performing any tasks that are not related to their duties within the Board, subject to the following rules and procedures:
    a. The member must attend at least 75% of the total board meetings during the fiscal year for which the remuneration is due;
    b. The Board of Directors must submit a report to the General Assembly outlining the tasks performed by the member and for which the remuneration is deserved;
    c. A resolution must be issued by the Board of Directors proposing the payment of the remuneration to the member, and specifying its type and value; and
    d. The Association must have sufficient appropriations to disburse the monetary remunerations.
2. The Association's administrative report shall specify all remunerations and incentives granted by the Association to its members.
3. The task assigned to any member of the Board of Directors to carry out certain tasks and duties in accordance with the nature of the Association's work shall not be considered as a type of remuneration or incentive. This includes, for example, assigning to the actors, theatrical performers or writers, who are board members, the task of performing specific tasks related to the Association’s work.

1. The provisions of Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023, referred to hereinabove, shall apply upon convention of the annual Ordinary General Assembly meeting.
2. Subject to the provisions of Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023, referred to hereinabove, on the convention of non-annual Ordinary General Assembly meeting, the non-annual Ordinary General Assembly meeting shall be called after prior approval of both the Ministry and the Competent Authority is obtained in the following cases:
    a. Lack of the legal quorum of the Board in any of the following cases:
        1) The resignation of all or certain members of the Board of Directors.
        2) Suspension or removal of any board member under a resolution of the Ministry or the Local Authority.
        3) The death of a Board member.
        4) Where there is any impediment preventing a member from performing their duties and powers within the Board.
        5) Any other circumstances that would diminish the legal quorum of the Board.
    b. Where an application is submitted for approval to establish a branch of the Association.
    c. Where an application is submitted for approval to establish or join a union.
    d. Where an application is submitted for approval to approve or change the Association's visual identity.
    e. Where there are reports indicating weaknesses or inefficiency of the financial systems and internal control systems of the Association.
    f. Where a request is submitted by the Competent Authority to approve the regulations or present any reports to the General Assembly.
3. Methods of calling non-annual Ordinary General Assembly meetings:
    a. The Competent Authority shall be provided with a list of members who meet the membership conditions and duties and are entitled to attend the meeting.
    b. A notice shall be served upon the members to attend the General Assembly through any method of notification specified in the Association's By-laws, to ensure that they are informed. In all cases, the meeting shall be announced at the Association’s headquarter.
4. The Association shall bear the costs of communicating with the members and any other costs related to the meeting.
5. The following documents shall be available when calling non-annual Ordinary General Assembly meetings, as applicable:
    a. The agenda of the non-annual Ordinary General Assembly meeting.
    b. Copies of resignations of all or some board members.
    c. A copy of the Board's resolution recommending the establishment of a branch of the Association.
    d. A copy of the Board's resolution recommending the formation of a union or joining an existing union.
    e. A copy of the visual identity proposed by the Board of Directors; and
    f. Any other attachments related to the assembly's agenda.

The representative of the Ministry and the Local Authority shall undertake the following tasks and powers:
1. Supervise the validity of the meeting in terms of the fulfilment of the required legal quorum;
2. Supervise the voting on the resolutions of the General Assembly;
3. Monitor the progress of the agenda in accordance with the approved items;
4. Fully supervise the board of directors’ election process, ensuring the eligibility of members to run as candidates and elect, oversee the voting process, counting the votes, announcing the results, and handling other administrative and organizational tasks necessary to complete the election process;
5. Monitor the Association with regard to the minutes of the General Assembly meeting; and
6. Perform any other tasks and responsibilities to be determined by the Competent Authority in relation to supervising the meeting.
 

1. The Association shall comply with the following rules and procedures when opening, managing, and closing bank accounts:
    a. An application to open a bank account shall be submitted to the Competent Authority using the form designated for this purpose.
    b. The application shall include the names and details of the representatives authorized to open, manage, operate, and close the bank accounts, along with copies of passports and Emirates ID cards, the name of the bank, and the branch where the account is to be opened.
    c. The Competent Authority shall review the application and issue a "No Objection Certificate" within three (3) working days, addressed to the bank.
    d. The Association shall provide the Competent Authority with the bank account details within ten (10) working days from the date the account is opened, and shall also inform the same of any changes to the account or the bank where the funds are credited.
    e. The signature authority specified in the bank account certificates shall remain valid up to the end of the Association's license term or until any change occurs with regard to the authorized signatories.
    f. The Association shall keep the Competent Authority notified of any changes related to the representatives authorized to manage the bank account or upon the expiration of the certificate mentioned in Clause (E) of this Article.
    g. The Competent Authority shall address a certificate to the bank confirming the continuation of the Association's bank account and the approval of the representatives authorized to manage this account.
2. The procedures for handling non-compliant bank accounts shall be as follows:
    a. The Competent Authority shall monitor and report non-compliant bank accounts.
    b. The Local Authority shall submit a report to the Ministry on the non-compliant bank accounts.
    c. The Competent Authority shall coordinate with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates regarding the suspension, deactivation or freezing of non-compliant bank accounts in accordance with the applicable laws in the State. The competent court shall confiscate any funds credited to such accounts.
 

1. An application shall be submitted to the Competent Authority using the form designated for this purpose not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the date specified for commencing the investment of the assets of the Public Welfare Association.
2. The application shall include all relevant details and information about the intended investment, including the value and purpose of the investment, the approval of the Board of Directors, and all necessary permissions and approvals from the relevant authorities in the State in accordance with their requirements.
3. The investment intended to be carried out shall conform to the activities and objectives of the Public Welfare Association, except for the purchase of shares, bonds, government sukuks for long-term investment purposes, or the purchase of real estate.
4. The Competent Authority shall review the application and shall issue a decision within seven (7) working days approving or rejecting the investment application. The Competent Authority may also make any modifications or require additional data or details in connection with the intended investment.
5. The Public Welfare Association shall provide the Competent Authority with annual reports on its investments and the returns derived therefrom, and how these returns are utilized to achieve its objectives.
6. The Association shall comply with any instructions or decisions issued by the Competent Authority in this regard.
 

Without prejudice to the conditions set forth in Article (42) of Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023, referred to hereinabove, the following conditions shall apply to the founding members of National Societies:
1. All founding members must contribute to the assets allocated to the national society as per the proportions agreed upon among them.
2. Any founding member, who does not hold the citizenship of the State, shall be required to have a valid residence permit in the State for a period of not less than three (3) consecutive years.

1. An application for the establishment of a national society shall be submitted to the Competent Authority using the form designated for such purpose.
2. Upon submission of an application for the establishment of a national society, the following supporting documents and instruments shall be provided:
    a. The approval of the founding members on the establishment of the national society.
    b. The By-laws of the national society duly approved by the founding members.
    c. A membership data form signed and approved by each founding member.
    d. A resolution on the formation of the first Board of Trustees of the national society.
    e. Copies of passports and UAE Identity Cards of the founding members.
    f. An official certificate or document confirming that any founding member who is not a national of the State has been residing in the State for a period of not less than three (3) years.
    g. A detailed list of the names and particulars of the founding members, including the Emirate of residence, academic qualification, employer, job title, mobile phone number, and email address of each member.
    h. A detailed list of the assets allocated to the national society, including the share or contribution of each member.
    i. An undertaking by all founding members to fulfil their annual financial obligations vis-a-vis the national society in accordance with their respective contributions; and
    j. Any other documents or supporting papers as may be determined by the Competent Authority.
3. The Competent Authority shall review the application for the establishment of the national society in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures governing the establishment of Associations, as set forth in this Resolution.
4. The license term of the national society shall be a maximum period of three (3) years, renewable in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures for the renewal of association licenses, as set forth in this Resolution.
 

1. Each national society shall have a duly approved By-laws, to be created by the founding members thereof in accordance with the template form prepared by the Ministry, in coordination with the Local Authority. The By-laws shall include the following data and particulars:
    a. The name of the national society, which must be derived from its activities.
    b. The headquarter of the national society, the geographic scope of its operations, and the fields in which it operates.
    c. The objectives of the national society.
    d. The activities of the national society.
    e. The target categories.
    f. The names, nationalities, professions, and places of residence of the founding members.
    g. The method of selecting the Board of Trustees, the administrative positions within the Board and their respective competences, the periodicity of the Board’s meetings, the validity of its resolutions, the procedures for the Board’s convention and its rules of procedure.
    h. The powers of the Board of Trustees, the conditions required for its members in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023, the number of members, the procedures for terminating their membership, the procedures for convening the Board, the validity of its meetings and resolutions, and the mechanism for the assignment of administrative positions among the Board members.
    i. The rules governing amendments to the By-laws.
    j. The determination of the administrative bodies within the national society and their competences and functioning mechanism, including the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director, and the Administrative Body, in accordance with the provisions and procedures set forth in Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 and this Resolution.
    k. The rules governing cooperation and dealing with entities and organizations outside the State, as well as the rules for implementing the projects, in accordance with the provisions and procedures set forth in this Resolution.
    l. The financial resources of the national society, the manner of their utilization and disposal, the mechanism of financial oversight over expenditures, the commencement and end of the fiscal year, and the system for retaining and managing imprest and its values to cover urgent expenses.
    m. The procedures for selecting and appointing the auditor, and determining its powers.
    n. The conditions and rules governing the voluntary dissolution and liquidation of the national society and the devolution of its assets. The By-laws may not stipulate that, in such cases, the national society’s assets be transferred to any Public Welfare Association that carry out activities different from those of the national society, unless otherwise approved by the Competent Authority.
2. In the event that a national society is established pursuant to a duly notarized bequest, such a bequest must include the name of the national society, the funds allocated thereto, its field of operation, and the method of selecting its Board of Trustees. In such cases, the bequest shall serve as the By-laws of the national society, and the Competent Authority may require the Board of Trustees to create an internal bylaw regulating all operational procedures and processes of the national society.

The provisions governing the Associations, as set forth in this Resolution, shall apply to national societies in respect of all matters not specifically stipulated herein, to the extent compatible with their nature.

Associations and National Societies duly-registered in accordance with the provisions of the above-referenced Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 and this Resolution may apply to establish unions among themselves, subject to the following rules and procedures:
1. An application shall be submitted to the Competent Authority using the form designated for such purpose, accompanied by the following documents:
    a. A draft By-laws of the Union, duly approved by the authorized representatives of the Associations or National Societies involved.
    b. The approval of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Association or the founding members of the national society for joining the Union.
    c. A detailed list of the names and particulars of the member Associations or National Societies, including the name, registration number and date, licensing authority, and objectives.
    d. Any other documents or records as may be required by the Competent Authority.
2. The Competent Authority shall review the application for the establishment of the Union in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures for establishing Associations, as set forth in Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 and this Resolution.
3. The Union’s maximum license term shall be three (3) years, renewable in accordance with the rules and procedures governing the renewal of Associations’ licenses, as set forth in this Resolution.
4. The provisions governing the registration and licensing of Associations, as well as other relevant provisions set forth in Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 and this Resolution, shall apply to Unions to the extent compatible with their nature. The Union shall be deemed a standalone legal entity operating independently of its members.
 

Social Solidarity Funds shall be established and registered according to the following rules and procedures:
1. The Fund must be affiliated with a federal or local government body.
2. The head of the body or his/her authorized representative shall issue a resolution forming a working team to study the establishment of the Fund.
3. The Fund shall have a minimum of twenty-five (25) members at time of establishment.
4. All Fund members must be employees or workers of the government body.
5. An application for the establishment of the Fund shall be submitted to the Competent Authority using the form designated for such purpose, duly approved by the head of the government body or his/ her authorized representative, and must include the following documents:
    a. The Fund’s By-laws duly approved by the founding members, along with a summary thereof, specifying the Fund’s financial resources, the services provided, the terms and mechanism for availing of such services, and the procedures for distribution of the Fund’s assets upon dissolution and liquidation.
    b. A membership application form, signed and approved by each founding member.
    c. Copies of passports and Emirates ID cards of the founding members.
    d. A copy of each founding member’s work ID or a certificate confirming their employment with the government body.
    e. A detailed list of names and information of the founding members, including emirate of residence, academic qualification, employer, job title, mobile number, and email address.
    f. Any other documents or records as may be required by the Competent Authority.
    g. Any additional requirements determined by the Competent Authority within which the Fund is to be established.
6. The Competent Authority shall review the Fund establishment application in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures for establishing Associations, as set forth in this Resolution.
7. The Ministry shall review the applications for establishing Social Solidarity Funds affiliated with federal government bodies.
8. The Fund’s maximum license term shall be three (3) years, renewable in accordance with the rules and procedures governing the renewal of Association licenses, as set forth in this Resolution.
9. The head of the Competent Authority may approve the establishment of Social Solidarity Funds for employees of private sector companies, provided that the company has at least one hundred (100) employees. Such Funds may also be established by Associations’ members, in which case, the same conditions and requirements set forth in this Resolution shall apply, taking into consideration the nature of private sector companies and ensuring that the company has a valid incorporation resolution or a valid trade license.
10. The Fund shall aim to promote solidarity and mutual support among its members, and shall be limited to the services exclusively provided to its members in conformity with its By-laws.
11. The provisions governing the registration and licensing of Associations, as well as other relevant provisions set forth in Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 and this Resolution, shall apply to Social Solidarity Funds to the extent compatible with their nature.
 

1. Social Solidarity Funds affiliated with federal government bodies shall be subject to the supervision and control of the Ministry in respect of all administrative, technical, and financial aspects, to ensure proper allocation of expenditures and the sound management of financial and in-kind resources in accordance with the Fund’s By-laws. For this purpose, the Ministry shall have the right to review records and documents and may require any data or reports related to the Fund.
2. Other Social Solidarity Funds shall be subject to the supervision and control of the Competent Authority in respect of all administrative, technical, and financial aspects, to ensure proper allocation of expenditures and the sound management of financial and in-kind resources in accordance with the Fund’s By-laws. The Competent Authority shall have the right to review records and documents and may require any data or reports related to the Fund.
 

First: Dissolution and Liquidation:
1. Subject to the special nature of the Funds’ assets, the procedures and rules governing the dissolution and liquidation of Associations shall also apply to Social Solidarity Funds in the cases where dissolution is required or in the event of the termination or loss of legal personality of the body within which the Fund is established.
2. The assets resulting from the dissolution and liquidation of the Fund shall be distributed as provided for in its By-laws. Failing which, the Competent Authority shall determine the body to which such assets will be transferred.
Second: Merger and Transfer:
1. Subject to prior approval of the Competent Authority, a Social Solidarity Fund may be merged with another Fund, or its assets may be transferred thereto under the following circumstances:
    a. If the body within which the Fund has been established is merged with another body that already has a Social Solidarity Fund.
    b. If all employees and workers of the body within which the Fund has been established are transferred to another body that has a Social Solidarity Fund.
    c. If two bodies are merged together, and one of them has no Fund, the Social Solidarity Fund shall be transferred, and its legal structure shall be adjusted accordingly.
    d. Any other cases determined by the Competent Authority.
2. The Competent Authority’s decision shall set forth the procedures, implications, and requirements for implementing the merger.
3. If the decision to merge or transfer a Social Solidarity Fund is issued by a Local Authority, the Local Authority shall provide the Ministry with a copy of the merger decision referred to in Clause (2) of this Article.
4. The Ministry shall issue the merger resolution, which shall specify the procedures and rules for implementing the merger by the Competent Authority and its resulting legal implications.
5. The Ministry shall remove the merged Social Solidarity Fund from the official register upon the completion of the merger procedures.
6. The Ministry shall publish the merger resolution in the Official Gazette.
 

1. Once its registration decision is issued, the Public Welfare Association shall secure an adequate headquarter not later than six (6) months, renewable for a similar period upon approval of the Competent Authority, provided that the headquarter meet the following conditions and requirements:
    a. The headquarter shall not be located within a residential building.
    b. The headquarter shall comply with the security, health, and occupational safety requirements in accordance with the approved standards of the relevant authorities.
    c. No restrictions or limitations preventing the Competent Authority’s officials from getting access to the headquarter at any time.
    d. The headquarter shall be suitable for conducting the Public Welfare Association’s activities in accordance with its By-laws.
    e. The Public Welfare Association shall install an external signboard on the front façade of the headquarter, displaying its name in both Arabic and English, subject to the conditions and requirements of the entity within which the headquarter is located.
2. Subject to prior approval of the Competent Authority, a Public Welfare Association may operate from a virtual office or within shared workspaces, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth by the Competent Authority, particularly concerning recordkeeping, and document retention for the purposes of supervision and monitoring. 
 

Without prejudice to the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018 Regarding Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism, and Financing of Unlawful Organizations, as amended, and Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 referred to hereinabove, the Ministry, in coordination with the Local Authority and federal bodies, shall undertake the following additional responsibilities regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures at the Public Welfare Association Sector:
1. Establish appropriate procedures and regulations to ensure Public Welfare Associations under its supervision comply with Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 and its Executive Regulations, as well as any other applicable legislation concerning anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, and demand information regarding compliance with such obligations.
2. Conduct office and on-site inspections and audits of Public Welfare Associations that are governed by the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 and this Resolution, based on the risk assessments conducted by the relevant authority or national risk assessments at the State level.
3. Provide guidelines and feedback to Public Welfare Associations to enhance the effectiveness of their implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.
4. Maintain an updated list of compliance officers of Public Welfare Associations under its supervision, where the appointment of a compliance officer is mandatory, and keep records of enforcement measures and penalties imposed on non-compliant Associations.
 

1. In the event of the appointment of a temporary Board of Directors for a Public Welfare Association, the temporary board shall be required to:
    a. Provide the Competent Authority with a comprehensive report every three (3) months regarding the progress of work within the Public Welfare Association and the relevant actions being taken.
    b. Update the Public Welfare Association’s records and members’ data.
    c. Take all necessary actions regarding the call for General Assembly Meeting during the term of appointment.
    d. Any other obligations as determined by the Competent Authority.
2. In the event of the appointment of a temporary Director for the Public Welfare Association, the Director shall assume the following duties and powers:
    a. Manage the Public Welfare Association and supervise the various activities and programs thereof.
    b. Prepare a plan of action for managing the Association during the appointment period, which includes calling for the General Assembly to elect the Board of Directors in accordance with the By-laws.
    c. Coordinate with the founders of the National Society regarding the selection and appointment of a Board of Trustees in accordance with the Association’s By-laws.
    d. Update the records and member data of the Public Welfare Associations.
    e. Call the General Assembly to elect the Board of Directors in accordance with the By-laws.
    f. Perform any other duties or powers as determined by the Competent Authority.
3. In the event of proposing the merger of a Public Welfare Association with another organization upon the recommendation of the committee referred to in Article (55) of Federal Decree-Law No. (50) of 2023 referred to hereinabove, the following controls shall be observed:
    a. The Competent Authority, within its area of competence, shall obtain the approval of the extraordinary General Assembly of the other Public Welfare Association with which the merger is sought.
    b. The Local Authority shall provide the Ministry with a copy of the approval referred to in Paragraph (a) of Clause (3) of this Article.
    c. The Ministry shall issue the merger resolution, which shall include the procedures and provisions for its execution by the Competent Authority, along with the resulting effects.
    d. The Ministry shall remove the merged Public Welfare Association from the register after completing the merger procedures.
    e. The Ministry shall publish the merger resolution in the Official Gazette.
    f. The Local Authority shall issue a decision revoking the license of Public Welfare Association issued thereby, within ten (10) days from the date of the publication of the merger resolution in the Official Gazette.
 

The assets of a dissolved Public Welfare Association shall be disposed of in accordance with the following rules and procedures:
1. The assets of the Public Welfare Association, following its dissolution, shall be transferred to the entities specified in its By-laws.
2. In the absence of a provision in the By-laws of the Public Welfare Association regarding the entity to which its assets will be transferred after dissolution and liquidation, or if it is impossible to implement the provisions of the By-laws, the Competent Authority shall determine the entity to which the assets will be transferred, provided that the goals of such entity align with the goals of the Public Welfare Association being dissolved.
3. If the assets of the Public Welfare Association are generated from bequests, conditional donations, or endowments, the Competent Authority shall ensure the fulfilment of any stipulations and requirements concerning the same.
4. The Competent Authority shall coordinate with the liquidator to communicate with the bank holding the funds of the Public Welfare Association to transfer the funds to the entity designated in the By-laws or under the Competent Authority’s decision.
 

The Minister shall issue the necessary resolutions to implement the provisions of this resolution.

Any provision that contradicts or conflicts with the provisions of this Resolution shall be repealed.

This Resolution shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall enter into force as of the day following its publication date.