The UAE Cabinet has approved a list of 24 administrative violations for non-Muslim places of worship and the corresponding penalties. Under the regulations, repeated offences may incur fines of up to 750,000 dirhams, while certain violations may result in the temporary suspension of a place of worship.

The penalties are set out under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 172 of 2026 and cover violations of Federal Law No. 9 of 2023 regulating non-Muslim places of worship and its executive regulations.

The resolution, which came into effect on October 15, 2026, establishes procedures for imposing administrative penalties. Depending on the nature of the violation and the number of repeat offences, penalties range from warnings and fines to temporary suspension of activities.

Under the regulations, the imposition of administrative penalties does not prevent criminal proceedings or the enforcement of any other applicable legal penalties.

Fines of up to 750,000 dirhams for links with foreign entities

Among the most severe penalties are fines for places of worship that establish formal or informal relations with diplomatic or official entities of foreign countries.

The fine is 250,000 dirhams for a first offence, 500,000 dirhams for a second and 750,000 dirhams for a third.

The same fines apply to holding meetings or conferences outside the UAE and to places of worship joining organisations, associations or entities based abroad.

Further repeat offences may result in the suspension of the place of worship for up to three months, with the possibility of an extension.

Fines of up to 500,000 dirhams for financial contribution violations

Receiving financial contributions, gifts, donations, bequests or other forms of financial support from individuals or entities outside the UAE is also listed as a violation.

The fine is 100,000 dirhams for a first offence, 250,000 dirhams for a second and 500,000 dirhams for a third.

The same fines apply to collecting donations, allowing others to collect them, or promoting fundraising through social media, traditional media or other channels.

Transferring donations or financial resources outside the UAE without prior approval from the competent authority is punishable by a fine of 50,000 dirhams for a first offence, 100,000 dirhams for a second and 250,000 dirhams for a third.

Penalties for holding religious ceremonies outside places of worship

Under the regulations, it is an administrative violation for places of worship covered by the law to hold religious ceremonies, rituals or activities outside their designated premises.

The fine is 100,000 dirhams for a first offence, 200,000 dirhams for a second and 400,000 dirhams for a third.

Using a place of worship’s building for purposes other than those specified in its articles of association is subject to the same penalties.

By contrast, holding conferences, meetings or gatherings at places of worship without the required permit, or beyond the scope of an issued permit, will result in a warning for a first offence. The fine is 15,000 dirhams for a second offence and 30,000 dirhams for a third.

A fine of 100,000 dirhams also applies to rituals that cause harm to participants or others, or endanger the health and safety of worshippers and staff. Repeating such a violation may lead to the suspension of the place of worship.

Warnings and fines for operating without renewing a licence

Places of worship that continue operating without renewing their licences will receive a warning for a first offence.

The fine is 25,000 dirhams for a second offence and 50,000 dirhams for a third. Further violations may result in the suspension of the place of worship for up to three months.

According to The National, a 60-day period will be granted to rectify the violation and renew the licence.

Operating a place of worship without a supervisor appointed by its governing board will result in a warning for a first offence, followed by fines of 5,000 dirhams and 10,000 dirhams for second and third offences respectively.

Changing the chairperson or members of the governing board without approval from the competent authority will incur fines of 25,000 dirhams, 50,000 dirhams and 100,000 dirhams for the first three offences respectively.

Other violations include failing to submit annual financial statements, failing to maintain administrative and financial records, refusing to co-operate with inspectors, and using funds for purposes outside the place of worship’s authorised activities.

15-day deadline to respond to violation notices

The new resolution establishes a clear process for handling administrative violations.

The competent authority must first prepare a report on the violation and notify the place of worship. After receiving the notice, the institution has 15 days to submit its explanation and defence.

Failure to respond within this period may be treated as acceptance that the violation occurred, unless the place of worship provides evidence to the contrary.

Once the response period has expired, the competent authority will review the case and determine a penalty proportionate to the nature and severity of the violation.

The place of worship must be notified of the penalty within 15 working days of the decision being issued.

Fines may be appealed within 15 days

Non-Muslim places of worship may file an appeal with the competent authority within 15 days of being notified of a penalty or administrative action.

The appeal must include reasons, documents and supporting information.

The competent authority must decide on the appeal within 30 working days of receiving the complete application. It may uphold, reduce or fully revoke the original penalty.

Failure to respond to an appeal within the specified period will be treated as an implicit rejection. However, the right to challenge the administrative decision before the courts remains protected.

Fines must also be paid within 30 days of the penalty decision becoming final.

Activities may be suspended and an interim governing board appointed

In addition to fines, the regulations allow for the temporary suspension of places of worship that commit violations.

For many violations, a fourth offence may result in suspension for up to three months, with the period extendable under specified conditions.

During the suspension, the place of worship will not be permitted to continue its activities.

Members of the governing board, religious officials or employees connected to the violation may also be required to attend training courses on the management and regulation of places of worship.

If a place of worship breaches the conditions imposed during the suspension period, the competent authority may dismiss its governing board and, in co-ordination with the relevant entities, appoint an interim board.

The interim board will be authorised to manage the institution for six months, with the term renewable for a further six months.

Under the resolution, the competent authorities must maintain records of violations and penalties imposed, while local entities must submit quarterly reports on such cases to the relevant ministry.