UAE Zakat Calculator

Calculate your obligatory Zakat payments according to Islamic principles and UAE-specific guidelines. Input your cash, gold, investments, and business assets to determine your total Zakatable wealth and the exact amount due at 2.5%. Our calculator uses current UAE gold and silver rates to determine Nisab thresholds and provides distribution recommendations aligned with local charitable organizations.

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Published: January 15, 2025 | Updated: January 15, 2025 | Reviewed by: Islamic Finance Expert

How it works

Our calculator determines your Zakat obligation by first calculating your total Zakatable assets, then comparing this amount to the current Nisab threshold based on UAE gold and silver prices. If your wealth exceeds the Nisab and has been held for one lunar year (Hawl), 2.5% of the total is due as Zakat. The calculator accounts for UAE-specific regulations regarding business assets, agricultural produce, and livestock according to the predominant Islamic schools of thought in the Emirates.

Inputs explained

Cash & Savings

All liquid assets including bank accounts, cash on hand, and easily convertible investments

Gold & Silver

Both investment holdings and jewelry (with personal use exemptions)

Investments

Stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and other financial instruments valued at market price

Business Assets

Inventory, receivables, and cash holdings minus business debts

Agricultural Produce

Crops and their harvest value with different rates based on irrigation method

Nisab Threshold

Current value based on 85g of gold or 595g of silver in UAE dirhams

Calculate Your Zakat

All savings and checking accounts
Physical currency in your possession
Gold held as investment
Does not include your primary residence
These will be deducted from Zakatable wealth
Select your business structure in UAE
UAE Business Zakat Note: Free zone companies may have different Zakat considerations. Consult with a UAE Islamic finance expert for specific guidance.

Agricultural Produce

Zakat rates: 10% for naturally irrigated crops, 5% for artificially irrigated

Livestock

Note: Livestock Zakat has specific thresholds and rates based on quantity. This calculator provides estimates based on traditional Islamic jurisprudence.

Standard: 85 grams
Standard: 595 grams

Hawl: Zakat is due after wealth has been held for one complete lunar year (354-355 days).

This affects Nisab calculation methodology

Divide Zakat into 12 monthly payments

Example

A UAE resident with the following assets:

  • Cash savings: AED 25,000
  • Gold jewelry (personal use): AED 15,000 (exempt)
  • Investment gold: AED 10,000
  • Stock portfolio: AED 35,000
  • Business inventory: AED 20,000
  • Personal debts: AED 5,000

    • Calculation:

    • Total Zakatable wealth: AED 85,000 (25,000 + 10,000 + 35,000 + 20,000 - 5,000)
    • Current Nisab (gold @ AED 240/gram): AED 20,400 (85g × 240)
    • Since 85,000 > 20,400, Zakat is obligatory
    • Zakat due (2.5%): AED 2,125
    This resident would pay AED 2,125 in Zakat, which can be distributed to the eight eligible categories of recipients.

    Tips & notes

    • Zakat is only obligatory after wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold AND has been held for one full lunar year (Hawl)
    • Personal items like your primary home, clothing, and vehicles are generally exempt from Zakat
    • In the UAE, many Islamic banks and financial institutions can assist with Zakat calculation and payment
    • Consider calculating Zakat during Ramadan when spiritual rewards are multiplied
    • UAE residents should be aware of local regulations regarding Zakat on business assets and foreign holdings
    • Zakat should be distributed to the eight categories of recipients mentioned in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)
    • Free zone companies may have different Zakat considerations - consult an Islamic finance expert
    • Keep accurate records of your assets and Zakat payments for future reference

    FAQs

    Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth one must possess before becoming eligible to pay Zakat. In the UAE, it's typically calculated as the value of either 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. Most scholars in the UAE use the gold standard. With current gold prices around AED 240 per gram, the Nisab threshold is approximately AED 20,400.

    Zakat is a religious obligation for Muslims who meet the Nisab threshold. UAE citizens who are Muslim are required to pay Zakat, while expatriate Muslims are religiously obligated but not legally required by UAE federal law. However, as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, it remains a fundamental duty for all qualifying Muslims regardless of residence status.

    You pay Zakat on savings and assets that have been in your possession for one lunar year, not on your monthly salary itself. However, if you save portions of your salary and that savings exceeds the Nisab threshold after one year, Zakat is due on those savings. This includes money in savings accounts, investments, and other assets.

    For shares bought for trading, pay Zakat on the market value at 2.5%. For shares bought as long-term investments, pay Zakat on the proportion of Zakatable assets within the company (this requires detailed analysis). Many UAE Islamic banks offer specialized calculation services for investment portfolios. Dubai Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and Sharjah Islamic Bank all provide Zakat advisory services.

    Yes, you can set aside monthly amounts, but the calculation should still be based on your total wealth after one lunar year has passed. Many UAE mosques and charities accept monthly Zakat commitments. This approach helps with cash flow management while ensuring you fulfill your religious obligation.

    Approved channels include UAE Red Crescent Authority, Beit Al Khair Society, Dubai Charity Association, Sharjah Charity International, and many mosque collection boxes. Always ensure your Zakat is distributed to eligible recipients according to Islamic guidelines. Many organizations also offer online payment options for convenience.

    Zakat is an obligatory annual payment of 2.5% on qualifying wealth, while Sadaqah is voluntary charity of any amount at any time. Both are important in UAE Islamic practice, but only Zakat fulfills the religious pillar. Sadaqah can be given in addition to Zakat and is encouraged year-round, especially during Ramadan and on special occasions.

    No, your primary residence is exempt from Zakat. However, investment properties or rental properties are subject to Zakat on the rental income or the property's value if held for investment purposes.

    Disclaimer

    Important Notice:

    This calculator provides estimates based on Islamic principles and standard UAE practices. It is not a substitute for professional religious or financial advice. Zakat obligations may vary based on school of thought, personal circumstances, and changing UAE regulations. CalculatorBolt recommends consulting with a qualified Islamic scholar or UAE-approved Zakat authority for personalized guidance. CalculatorBolt is not responsible for any religious or financial decisions made based on these calculations.

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