The United Arab Emirates has officially announced the rates for Zakat Al Fitr (Fitrana), Fidyah, and other Ramadan-related expiations for the year 2026. The announcement was made by the UAE Fatwa Council following a detailed market price assessment carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
These rates are issued annually to ensure consistency, transparency, and ease for residents fulfilling their religious obligations during the holy month of Ramadan. The council stated that the updated amounts reflect current market conditions and aim to facilitate timely support for those in need.
Zakat Al Fitr, commonly known as Fitrana, is a mandatory charity that must be paid by financially able Muslims before the Eid Al Fitr prayer. For Ramadan 2026, the council has set Fitrana at 2.5 kilograms of rice per person or its cash equivalent of Dh25.
The option to pay in cash is intended to make the process more accessible while allowing charitable organizations to distribute aid more efficiently. Authorities noted that cash payments often help ensure faster delivery of assistance to eligible beneficiaries, particularly in urban areas.
The Fatwa Council also announced the official rate for Fidyah, which applies to individuals who are permanently unable to fast due to illness, old age, or other valid reasons. For each missed fast, Fidyah has been set at feeding one needy person with 3.25 kilograms of wheat or paying Dh20.
This amount is designed to cover the basic cost of food required to support a person in need. The council emphasized that Fidyah should be paid with sincerity and within the prescribed guidelines to fulfill the religious requirement properly.
In addition, the minimum cost of providing an iftar meal during Ramadan has also been fixed at Dh20. This benchmark is intended to guide individuals and organizations involved in distributing iftar meals, ensuring a reasonable and consistent standard across charitable initiatives.
The announcement also covers kaffarah, which refers to expiations required in specific cases, such as deliberately breaking a fast without a valid reason. While kaffarah obligations can vary depending on the situation, the council reaffirmed that feeding the needy remains a core component of these expiations.
Religious authorities in the UAE have encouraged residents to pay their Zakat Al Fitr before Eid prayers to ensure that it reaches deserving recipients on time. They also advised consulting authorized charities and official channels to ensure proper distribution.
The UAE Fatwa Council reiterated that these standardized rates help maintain fairness and clarity while aligning religious practices with contemporary economic realities. Residents are urged to stay informed through official announcements to ensure compliance with Islamic guidelines during Ramadan.
As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the announcement provides clarity for individuals and families planning their charitable contributions, reinforcing the values of compassion, social responsibility, and community support that define the holy month.
