The UAE Fatwa Council has released the official values for Zakat al-Fitr and Fidyah for Ramadan 2026, following a comprehensive market price assessment conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
According to the announcement, Zakat al-Fitr has been fixed at 2.5 kilograms of rice, or its cash equivalent of AED 25 per person. This obligatory charity is required from every financially capable Muslim before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
For individuals unable to observe fasting due to valid reasons, the Fidyah has been set at 3.25 kilograms of wheat, or AED 20 per day, to be distributed to those in need.
The Council further clarified that anyone who deliberately invalidates a fast must pay a compensation amounting to AED 1,200, which will be allocated among 60 needy individuals.
In addition, violations committed during Hajj or Umrah rituals will incur a penalty of AED 120, to be distributed among six disadvantaged persons. The minimum cost of providing an iftar meal has also been determined at AED 20.
A spokesperson for the Fatwa Council emphasized that Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory duty for all eligible Muslims, regardless of gender, and serves as a means to support the underprivileged during the holy month.
Zakat al-Fitr may be paid from the beginning of Ramadan until just before the Eid prayer. Members of the public are encouraged to channel their contributions through authorized charities such as the Zakat Fund, Emirates Red Crescent, and other officially approved organizations across the UAE.
