UAE sets Zakat Al Fitr, Fidyah and Kaffarah rates for Ramadan 2026
Council of Islamic Affairs announces unified fasting compensation, iftar meal values and Hajj penalties
DUBAI – The UAE Council for Islamic Affairs has announced the official rates and values for Zakat Al Fitr, fasting compensation (Fidyah), atonement for missed or invalidated fasts (Kaffarah), and iftar meals for the holy month of Ramadan 2026, corresponding to 1447 Hijri.
The announcement was made on Sunday, and applies uniformly across all Emirates.
The decision aims to provide clarity and consistency for individuals, charitable institutions and beneficiaries ahead of Ramadan, covering obligations linked to fasting, worship and charitable giving.
Zakat and Fidyan
Zakat Al Fitr has been set at 2.5kg of rice per person or its cash equivalent of Dh25. The Council confirmed that this amount applies to every individual, regardless of age, and is intended to ensure the needs of the less fortunate are met during Eid celebrations.
Fidyah for individuals who are permanently unable to fast has been fixed at 3.25kg of barley or Dh20 per beneficiary per day. For prohibited acts committed during Hajj or Umrah, the Fidyah amount has been set at Dh120, to be distributed among six beneficiaries.
The minimum value of an iftar meal for fasting individuals has been determined at Dh20 per meal, aligning with current food costs across the country.
Fasting compensation
Kaffarah for deliberately invalidated fasts or broken vows has been set at Dh1,200 per day. This amount is to be distributed to 60 beneficiaries, with each receiving Dh20.
For broken oaths, Kaffarah has been fixed at Dh200, to be shared among 10 beneficiaries. These rulings apply in cases where fasting or alternative acts of expiation are not possible, in line with Islamic jurisprudence.
Zakat Al Fitr
The Council recommended that Zakat Al Fitr be paid after the Fajr prayer on Eid day to maximise its benefit for those in need during the festivities. It may be given earlier if necessary, particularly to avoid congestion at charitable organisations.
Zakat Al Fitr remains valid until sunset on Eid day. Payments made after sunset are considered a make-up payment (Qada) rather than fulfilment within the prescribed time. Delaying payment without a valid reason has been discouraged.
Payment channels
Cash contributions for Zakat Al Fitr have been deemed permissible, based on historical precedent. The Council cited reports that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) approved monetary substitutes for staple foods, with early Muslims giving cash in addition to food items.
The Council stated that both food and cash fulfil the obligation, noting that modern conditions often make cash contributions more practical and effective for beneficiaries.
Faithful have been urged to channel Zakat, Kaffarah and Fidyah through authorised bodies, including the Zakat Fund under the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments, the Emirates Red Crescent, and other certified charitable centres and associations.
The decisions were based on a comprehensive field study conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, involving market visits, supplier consultations and price surveys of staple food items across all Emirates to ensure fairness, accuracy and unified implementation.