The Ministry of Community Empowerment organized an introductory workshop to raise awareness among staff working in non-Muslim places of worship across the UAE. The session focused on Federal Law No. 9 of 2023, which regulates the establishment, practices, rituals, and religious activities of non-Muslim faiths and denominations in the country.

Held at the Umm Al Quwain Cultural Center and attended by representatives from various places of worship, the workshop covered several key topics. These included the importance of regularizing the legal status of existing non-Muslim places of worship, an overview of the new licensing procedures under the law, and the roles and responsibilities of licensing authorities in regulating and supervising these institutions. Participants were also briefed on the legal obligations outlined in the law, which apply to all places and rooms of worship across the UAE, including those located within free zones.

The law, issued by the Ministry in coordination with relevant authorities, reflects the vision of the UAE’s leadership—under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. It embodies the nation’s enduring commitment to the values of tolerance, moderation, and acceptance, inspired by the legacy of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who laid the foundations of the UAE as a global model of peaceful coexistence. Today, more than 200 nationalities live together in harmony in the UAE, enjoying dignity, mutual respect, and equal rights.

Article 6 of Federal Law No. 9 of 2023 outlines five key conditions for licensing non-Muslim places of worship in the UAE, in addition to any requirements set by local authorities. The law stipulates that a place of worship must be established by a minimum of 20 individuals, each of whom must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include:

• Being at least 40 years of age at the time of application, unless exempted by the competent authority;
• Possessing full legal capacity;
• Having no prior convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, unless legally rehabilitated;
• Being a follower of the relevant religion or denomination, with a signed declaration affirming their affiliation;
• Having resided in the UAE for at least five consecutive years prior to submitting the application.

In addition, each founding member must provide a letter of endorsement from the parent religious institution designated by the committee, may not hold diplomatic status, and must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to establish and operate the place of worship.

Additionally, the proposed place of worship must be affiliated with a recognized religion, denomination, or belief system whose rituals and practices are approved by the designated committee. All founding members are required to sign the institution’s charter, which must include all necessary organizational details. The license must not conflict with public order, and any additional conditions set by the competent authority must also be met.