General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments

Dr. Mohamed Matar Salem Al Kaabi

ESTABLISHMENT H.H.Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, issued on the 9th of October, 2006 ( 17th of Ramadan, 1427) the Law No.34 For the year 2006, amending the Law No. 29 For the year 1999, and founding the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE). GAIAE is an independent legal authority which reports directly to the Cabinet. Periodical reports relating to GAIAE performance, activities, and implementation of its goals must be submitted to the Cabinet. VISION AND MISSION VISION A global Islamic reference and a sustainable Waqf development powerhouse. MISSION The GAIAE works on promoting religious awareness, developing mosques and Quranic centres, producing religious Fatwas, managing Hajj and Umrah, developing Waqf and crafting innovative smart systems for the happiness of the community. VALUES o Belonging to the Nation o Loyalty to the Ruler o Result-oriented management o Be the First o Innovation o Financial returns and investments o Continuous learning GOALS, PRINCIPLES, & RESPONSIBILITIES GAIAE RESPONSIBILITIES o Offer religious guidance in the UAE to instill the principle of moderation in Islam o Spread Islamic culture and enhance religious awareness o Manage and supervise mosques o Provide Ifta'(Islamic ruling) o Organize Hajj and Umrah affairs o Hold conferences, seminars, festivities, and religious contests o Print and give out copies of the Holy Quran o Supervise Quran memorization and religious centers o Review religious publications and DVDS o Train imams and preachers o Grant work permits to imams and preachers o Grant work permits to religious centers and Hajj and Umrah groups o Supervise and invest awqaf (religious endowments) assigned to GAIAE o Promote the tradition of waqf for the cause of Allah and the benefit of society GOALS o Create a religiously aware society able to comprehend and deal with new and contemporary challenges o Improve mosques and enhance the skills of its staff o Facilitate Hajj and Umrah affairs o Revive, preserve, and develop the tradition of waqf o Enhance GAIAE performance to reach world class performance o Establish a distinguished system of policies and legislations to regulate the performance of all organizations in charge of Islamic affairs o Establish strategic partnerships that benefit the implementation of GAIAE mission PRINCIPLES Sincerity and dedication for the sake of Allah - Exalted be He - and to excel in performing our duties. o Belonging to the Nation o Loyalty to the Ruler o Result-oriented management o Be the First o Innovation o Financial returns and investments o Continuous learning