As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, residents across the UAE begin preparing for the fasting period. From buying in bulk beforehand to save money to dedicating more time for religious practices, the second half of Shaban is often spent mentally, physically, and spiritually preparing to enhance one’s routine for the blessed month.

Apart from individual practices, there are community as well as legal aspects that residents and visitors must keep in mind during the holy month.

With the UAE being a diverse hub for several nationalities and religions, it's important for all people, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, to keep these things in mind.

Ramadan is when charitable activities see a spike, with observers focusing more on virtues of kindness and giving during this pious period. Social media platforms often feature advertisements and campaigns asking for donations.

Authorities have urged residents to be wary of these unlicensed and unreliable campaigns and only donate to reliable and government organisations in the country.

Residents must also avoid collecting funds from relatives and friends to deliver to charitable organisations both domestically and internationally, as well as avoid engaging in financial speculations or distributing revenues to members and employees of licensed entities.

Sadaqah, or charitable giving, can be done through various forms, including monetary donations, providing food, helping those in need, and contributing to charitable causes.

Although there are no specific laws about distributing iftar meals in mosques, it is advisable to donate through licensed platforms.

Here are some platforms that residents can donate meals through.

As per UAE law, individuals are prohibited from hosting, organising or carrying out any fundraising activity with the aim of collecting or accepting funds from the public by any means.

Violators will be imposed with a hefty penalty of not less than Dh150,000 and not more than Dh300,000 or one of the two penalties, as well as confiscation of the collected donations by the court.

However, for those wishing to help their family members and relatives or needy community members in the neighbourhood, it is permissible to collect donations, as per the Ministry of Community Development.

The fundraising for these donations must be within the permissible limit and must not reach the level of licensed organisations' work.

Authorities have time and time again warned motorists against randomly parking near mosque spaces, especially during Taraweeh prayers and during the Qiyam ul Layl period, which falls in the last 10 days of Ramadan.

This random parking is seen when worshippers double park and block entire lanes, park in the middle of exits without considering other road users, or park on sidewalks.

In Abu Dhabi, motorists will be hit with a Dh500 fine for parking during Taraweeh or other prayers.

Dubai Police has also urged drivers to not randomly park in mosque spaces during prayer times in Ramadan as it causes congestion, blockage and road closures. This negatively affects other road users, especially in residential areas or close to main roads.

The authority increases traffic patrols around prayer grounds and mosques during this time while also intensifying enforcement measures against drivers who commit various violations.

Authorities across the UAE intensify monitoring of beggars as part of anti-begging campaigns during Ramadan.

Penalties for begging start with a minimum fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months in prison. These penalties can range up to Dh500,000 under other circumstances. This includes a fine of not less than Dh100,000 and a jail term of not less than six months for those who organise begging activities and bring individuals from abroad to engage in it.

Meanwhile, a fine of not less than Dh250,000 and not more than Dh500,000, will be levied against anyone who uses information technology means to solicit or promote fundraising without an approved license from the competent authority.

Residents have also been urged to not encourage begging and donate through licensed platforms to help the needy. Authorities issue reminders from time to time, urging them to report any beggars.

During Ramadan, other than fasting, Muslims from all walks of life pay heavy emphasis on various types of charity and helping the needy in any way possible. Volunteering has become a big part of this, as many initiatives take place during this time.

While volunteering during the holy month, it is crucial to keep in mind laws surrounding the charitable activity.

It is prohibited to regulate any volunteer work inside or outside the UAE unless it is licensed. Anyone who violates this will be fined with a hefty penalty between Dh10,000 - Dh100,000.

Disclosing confidential information or data acquired during volunteering is against the law. Those who violate this will be punished with a fine ranging up to Dh30,000.

Anyone who raises funds related to volunteering purposes without the permission of the ministry will have to pay a fine of no less than Dh50,000.

To know more about the penalties related to volunteering violations and duties and eligibility criteria of a volunteer, read here.

While living in a dynamic cultural hub like the UAE, it is important for individuals to respect religious sentiments during the month of Ramadan.

Although these things might not be cemented in law, it is advisable to follow some basic etiquettes in the country while fellow Muslims observe fasting during the holy period. These are:

• Not engaging in any aggressive behaviour
• Not dancing or playing music in public. Individuals can listen to music quietly with headphones.
• Not wearing inappropriate clothing in public
• Swearing is considered extra offensive during Ramadan
• It is advisable to not refuse a gift or an invitation to join someone at Iftar