Registering a non-profit NGO in the UAE requires adherence to specific legal requirements and procedures. This initiative aims to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated industry by providing support, networking opportunities, and resources tailored to their unique challenges and aspirations. By establishing the association as a non-profit NGO, the organization can engage in advocacy, educational programs, and community outreach, fostering a more inclusive environment that encourages female participation in energy-related fields. This aligns with the UAE’s goals of promoting gender equality and economic diversification.
To register a non-profit NGO in the UAE, some specific requirements and procedures must be followed. Here’s a brief overview: News | Media Center | Ministry of Community Development (mocd.gov.ae)
This blog is a part of our UAE Business Setup Guide: Mainland and Freezones pillar blogpost.
Requirements for Registration
Founders
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- A minimum of ten founding members is required.
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- At least two members must be UAE nationals.
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- Founders must be at least 21 years old, possess legal capacity, and have a good conduct record.
Articles of Association
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- The organization must submit Articles of Association detailing its purpose, governance structure, and operational guidelines.
Approval from Authorities
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- Initial approval must be obtained from the Community Development Authority (CDA) in the relevant emirate.
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- The NGO must not be a branch of an existing licensed association outside the UAE.
Documentation
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- Required documents include:
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- Founders’ meeting minutes.
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- A list of founding members.
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- The approved constitution of the association.
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- Copies of valid passports and Emirates IDs of the members.
Bank Account
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- The NGO must open a bank account in its name at a licensed national bank and notify the CDA of any changes to the account details.
Compliance with Regulations
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- The organization must adhere to the Federal Law No. (2) of 2008 regarding public interest associations and civil society foundations, along with any other relevant local laws.
Registration Process
Application Submission
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- Submit the application along with the required documents through the TAMM platform or directly to the CDA.
Approval Timeline
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- The process typically takes about 33 working days from the submission of the application to the final approval.
Funding and Financial Management
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- The funds of the NGO must be used solely for its stated purposes, and any investment of excess funds must be approved by the CDA.
Licensing
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- After fulfilling all requirements and obtaining necessary approvals, the organization will receive a license to operate as a non-profit NGO.
By following these guidelines, an NGO can be established in compliance with UAE regulations. For more details on the Department of Community Development website at Request to Issue a license for NGOs (addcd.gov.ae)
