International Charity Organization UAE: Aid Registration Guide. The International Charity Organization (ICO) is an Ajman-based charity that accepts assistance applications through its online portal on designated days each month. This guide from Bolo Asan explains the registration schedule, application process, required documents and important eligibility considerations. Applicants should check ICO’s official portal for the latest requirements before applying.
In short, ICO takes aid registrations through an online portal on fixed days each month. The public pages do not show an income limit you can check yourself against.
What Is the International Charity Organization in the UAE?
The International Charity Organization (ICO) is a charity based in Ajman. According to its own “Who we are” page, it was founded in 1984 by an Amiri decree. ICO carries out charitable and humanitarian projects in multiple countries, including initiatives involving orphan sponsorship, water wells, mosques, Quran memorization centres and medical assistance.
The Ministry of Community Empowerment (MOCE) also lists “International Charity Organization, Ajman” in its FAQ of bodies authorised to collect and receive donations. That matters because UAE law limits who may raise money from the public. The checklist below explains how. ICO’s portal lists its helpline as 800 5 666.
International Charity Organization Aid Registration: How It Works
ICO handles aid requests through its Aid Request Portal. Citizens and residents register on different days of the month:
| Applicant group | Registration day | Portal opening time |
|---|---|---|
| UAE nationals | 1st of each month | 11:00 a.m. |
| Residents | 2nd of each month | 11:00 a.m. |
The portal’s notice says the 11:00 a.m. opening applies from August 2026, replacing the earlier 5:00 p.m. start. It stays open only until the registration capacity is reached, so arriving late may mean waiting until the next month. Days, times and capacity can change, so read the latest notice on the portal on the day you apply.
The process, as the portal describes it:
- Register on the portal on your designated day.
- Receive a text message with your application reference number and a deadline for submitting documents.
- Upload your documents before that deadline.
- Give the payee’s banking details so any payment can be made.
- Check your application status on the portal for updates or extra requirements.
What to Prepare
The portal lists a few firm rules:
- Documents must be issued no more than one month before you submit them.
- They must be in colour, clearly legible and fully compliant with the requirements.
- Banking details must be complete: bank name, SWIFT code, account number, IBAN, email address and telephone number of the payee.
The portal says an application cannot be completed if the deadline passes before the documents arrive. It also says incomplete banking details can delay or block disbursement.
Eligibility: What Is and Is Not Published
The public pages reviewed by Bolo Asan for this guide explain how to register. They do not state an income limit, a list of qualifying cases or a promised response time. Being a citizen or a resident gives you a registration day. It does not decide the outcome.
ICO reviews each application, and completing the steps does not guarantee aid. The online registration information states that assistance registration for residents is limited to families with valid Emirates IDs. Before applying, contact ICO to confirm whether assistance is available for your emirate and whether any additional eligibility conditions apply. The portal notice can change from month to month, so read the current version on the day you apply.
Checking Any International Charity Organization Before You Donate: A Bolo Asan Checklist
Federal Law No. 3 of 2021 regulates donations in the UAE. MOCE’s FAQ separates two kinds of fundraisers:
- Licensed parties, such as charitable societies and bodies whose founding laws or decisions let them collect donations. They can fundraise without prior approval for each activity.
- Authorised entities, which are legal persons that receive a permit from the competent authority.
Before giving, run through these checks:
- Look for the organisation’s exact name on the Ministry’s list.
- Be careful with any appeal that does not clearly come from a listed body.
- Know that breaking the donations law can carry serious penalties. The Ministry’s FAQ describes imprisonment, a fine of AED 200,000 to AED 500,000, or either, for specific violations, including receiving donations from outside the UAE contrary to the prescribed procedures. These penalties do not apply to every kind of donation activity, so read the FAQ for the exact violation. For the violations it lists, the FAQ says the penalty doubles for repeat offences, and the court orders the donations confiscated and a foreigner deported after the sentence is served.
If You Do Not Qualify
MOCE’s social welfare programme is for UAE citizens, so residents cannot use it. If ICO does not approve an application, other licensed charities may help. Each sets its own criteria and application method, so check each one’s official channels.
The Bottom Line
For ICO aid requests, start with the official portal on your registration day, with fresh documents. Before you donate to any charity, check its name on the Ministry’s list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I donate to the International Charity Organization?
ICO’s donation methods page lists several channels: visiting its office, bank deposit, collectors, credit card, quick donation, SMS, and a request for a delegate to collect cash. Use only the details published on ICO’s own website.
Can I collect donations myself for a cause?
MOCE’s FAQ says the law prohibits a natural person from collecting donations from the public. The reason it gives is the difficulty of monitoring individuals and the risk of fraud. Work through a licensed or authorised charity instead.
Can I volunteer with ICO?
ICO has a “Join Us” section on its website. MOCE’s guideline says non-profits that recruit volunteers must comply with Federal Law No. 13 of 2018 on Volunteer Work. Ask ICO directly about current volunteer roles and requirements.
Is the International Charity Organization a government body?
ICO describes itself as a charity created by an Amiri decree, and MOCE lists it among bodies authorised to receive donations. Neither source calls it a government department. Ask ICO or MOCE if you need its exact legal classification.
Disclaimer: Bolo Asan is an independent informational website. It is not a government authority, charity, bank, lender, insurer, embassy, immigration authority or regulator. This article is for general information only. Registration days, portal rules, documents and legal requirements can change, so check the current details with ICO, the Ministry of Community Empowerment or the relevant local authority before you act. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice.
Last Updated: October 9, 2026
