📋 Complete Guide | Embracing Islam in the UAE
By Abdul Hamid Mohammad | Published: January 23, 2025 | Last updated: October 18, 2026
A declaration to embrace Islam in the UAE is documented through a certificate issued by a government authority, not by a private notary. In Dubai that authority is the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), which lists the service as free of charge and completed in one working day. You need a passport copy, an ID copy and one personal photo.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is general information for awareness only. It is not legal or religious advice, and reading it does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Requirements vary by case and by authority, and final acceptance of any certificate rests with the body to which it is submitted. Always confirm details on the official service page before you apply.
Who issues the declaration to embrace Islam in the UAE?
In short: A declaration (certificate) of embracing Islam in the UAE is issued by a competent government authority after the applicant states the Shahada. In Dubai, IACAD issues it, free of charge according to its service page, with a stated completion time of one working day. Other emirates follow the Ministry of Justice or local judicial authorities.
The UAE Government portal explains that a person who wishes to embrace Islam does so by following the procedures of the Ministry of Justice and other local government authorities, which in most cases means the judicial department or the court (u.ae – Conversion to Islam). The same page lists separate official services for the Ministry of Justice, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and the Dubai Government portal.
| Emirate | Authority handling the service | Where to check requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) | IACAD service page |
| Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi Judicial Department | ADJD digital services |
| Other emirates | Ministry of Justice and local judicial authorities | Ministry of Justice |
How to get the certificate in Dubai, step by step
IACAD describes the service as saying the Shahada, declaring the conversion to Islam, and receiving the certificate of embracing Islam. It is offered to non-Muslim individuals in Arabic and English, and can be requested through IACAD’s smart services application or through the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture – New Muslims section (IACAD). IACAD’s own process runs through four stages:
Official fee and timing (verified October 2026)
| Service | Government fee | Stated duration | Authority and source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuance of declaration of Islam certificate (Dubai) | Free of charge | One working day | IACAD – service page |
Fees and timing above were checked in October 2026 and may change. Please verify them on the official page. For Abu Dhabi and other emirates, check the fee shown on the relevant authority’s own service page.
Documents required in Dubai
According to IACAD, the application requires:
- A copy of a valid passport.
- A copy of ID.
- One personal photo (women should wear a hijab covering the hair and neck).
- The visit visa, when the applicant is a visitor.
Source: IACAD service page. Other authorities may ask for different documents.
Abu Dhabi and the other emirates
The UAE Government portal lists the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s “Declaration of embracing Islam” service and the Ministry of Justice’s declaration service as separate official channels (u.ae). Their documents, steps and fees are set by those authorities, so do not assume the Dubai list above applies. Open the service page of the authority for your emirate and follow its current instructions.
When you need a “To Whom It May Concern” certificate
Some people need a second document after conversion. IACAD offers a “To Whom It May Concern” certificate for new Muslims, described as a certificate used to continue procedures such as marriage and financial care (Zakat). The listed requirements are a passport copy, an ID copy, a valid residence, one personal photo, the visit visa or entry stamp for visitors, and a valid copy of the conversion certificate when the conversion took place outside the UAE (IACAD).
Tip: If you plan to use the certificate for a procedure at another authority, ask that authority which version of the certificate it accepts before you apply.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting a photo that does not meet the stated rule (hijab covering hair and neck for women).
- Applying as a visitor without a copy of the visit visa.
- Assuming the Dubai requirements apply in every emirate.
- Using a conversion certificate issued abroad without checking whether the receiving authority accepts it.
- Relying on an old article or forum post instead of the current official service page.
Where Private Notary Dubai fits
Private Notary Dubai does not issue the certificate of embracing Islam, and it does not replace the competent authority. If you need other notarised documents alongside your procedure, you can message our team on WhatsApp to ask about them.
Have a question about notarised documents?
Send us a message and our team will reply.
Important notes
- This page covers the documentation of conversion, not religious rulings. Religious questions should go to the competent religious authority.
- Requirements, fees and timing are set by each authority and may change.
- Final acceptance of the certificate rests with the body to which it is presented.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the certificate of embracing Islam in the UAE?
It is issued by a government body, not by a private notary. In Dubai, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) issues it; in Abu Dhabi the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department handles it; elsewhere the Ministry of Justice and local judicial authorities apply. Check the current service page of the relevant authority.
Is the certificate free?
In Dubai, IACAD lists the issuance of the declaration of Islam certificate as free of charge, with a completion time of one working day (verified October 2026). Other authorities may list different fees or timing, so check the service page of the authority you will use before you apply.
What documents are needed in Dubai?
IACAD lists a copy of a valid passport, a copy of ID, and one personal photo, with women wearing a hijab covering the hair and neck. Visitors also provide the visit visa. Requirements can change, so confirm them on the IACAD service page before applying.
Can a visitor to the UAE apply?
IACAD’s requirements include the visit visa for applicants who are visitors, so the service lists visitors among its applicants. Whether another authority accepts visitors depends on its own rules. Confirm with the authority first, and keep the visa copy with your passport and ID copies.
What is a “To Whom It May Concern” certificate for a new Muslim?
IACAD describes it as a certificate for new Muslims used to continue procedures such as marriage and Zakat financial care. Listed requirements include passport and ID copies, valid residence, one photo, and, if the conversion took place outside the UAE, a valid copy of that conversion certificate.
⚖️ About the author
Abdul Hamid Mohammad is a legal consultant working in the United Arab Emirates, focused on legal drafting, commercial disputes, and corporate and employment contracts.
Conclusion
The declaration to embrace Islam in the UAE is a government-issued certificate. In Dubai, IACAD lists it as free, completed in one working day, with a passport copy, an ID copy and a personal photo. Other emirates follow their own authorities, so open the official page for yours before you apply. For other notarised documents, see our guides on personal status certificates and document attestation, or contact us.
Sources:
UAE Government Portal – Conversion to Islam ·
IACAD – Issuance of declaration Islam certificate ·
IACAD – To Whom It May Concern certificate for the new Muslim
Abdul Hamid is a legal consultant with extensive experience in providing legal advice in the United Arab Emirates. His expertise focuses on legal drafting, resolving commercial disputes, and drafting and reviewing corporate and employment contracts.