The UAE Fatwa Council has released official guidance regarding the religious obligation of Zakat on dates during the current harvest season. According to General Fatwa No. 11 of 2026, Zakat becomes mandatory once a harvest reaches the "Nisab" threshold of 541kg, a figure determined by a rigorous study matching traditional measurements with modern industry standards. This requirement applies to all palm trees owned by an individual—regardless of whether the dates are intended for personal consumption, gifts, or sale—provided the total yield from all owned trees hits the 541kg mark.

The rate of Zakat depends on the irrigation method used: farmers pay 10 per cent if their crops rely on rain or natural irrigation channels, while those using costly artificial systems or wells pay 5 per cent. The Council specifies that Zakat should ideally be given after the dates have ripened, though payments can be made from the monetary value of the crop if it is sold prematurely. For commercial entities, the rules vary based on ownership; those who own the farms are subject to these specific agricultural Zakat rates, while companies that simply trade in dates must treat them as general merchandise, paying a 2.5 per cent Zakat rate once their annual financial threshold is met. The Council encourages all residents to use official channels, such as the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, to ensure their contributions are calculated and distributed correctly.