Zakat Calculator UAE (AED)
This UAE-focused guide helps you calculate Zakat in AED with clarity: what to include, how nisab works (gold vs silver), what debts are commonly subtracted, and UAE-specific scenarios like gold jewellery valuation, gold souq pricing, salary savings, and remittances.
Use the “fast method” below for a clean yearly workflow, then jump to the sections that match your situation.
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Fast method
Start here: the fastest correct method (UAE / AED)
A simple yearly workflow that works for most people. Repeat it once every lunar year on your Zakat date.
Pick a Zakat date (lunar/Hijri cycle) and keep it consistent
Many people choose a fixed day in the Hijri calendar and calculate on that day each year.
Total your zakatable assets on that date
Common UAE categories include cash, bank balances, gold (if included), accessible investments, and crypto holdings.
Subtract eligible debts due soon
A common approach is subtracting short-term liabilities that must be paid soon, rather than the full balance of long-term loans.
Compare your net total to nisab (gold or silver)
If your net zakatable wealth is at/above nisab, Zakat is generally due (with hawl conditions).
Calculate and pay (commonly 2.5% for many assets)
Pay promptly, keep a record of the date and totals, and repeat next year.
Assets
What counts as zakatable wealth (UAE-friendly categories)
Most people in the UAE hold wealth across salary accounts, savings, gold, and modern investments. The key is: what you own and can access.
Cash and bank balances
Include cash, salary balances, savings accounts, and any money you can access. Many people forget “secondary” accounts: joint accounts, travel funds, emergency accounts, or separate savings buckets.
Read Cash and Savings →Gold jewellery and bullion
Gold ownership is common in the UAE. Scholars differ on jewellery, but many choose to pay as a safer approach. Estimate grams and purity (24K/22K/21K/18K) and value it reasonably on your Zakat date.
Read Gold guide →Investments
Stocks, funds, and accessible investment accounts can be included depending on the method you follow. Many people use a practical approach based on accessible market value on the Zakat date.
Read Investments guide →Crypto
If you hold crypto and can access it, many Muslims include it as zakatable wealth. Value holdings on the Zakat date using a reputable price snapshot and record it.
Read Crypto guide →Rule of thumb
Ask: do I fully own it, and can I access it? If yes, it is commonly included. If access is restricted or unclear, treatment can differ, follow trusted guidance and stay consistent.
Nisab
Nisab in AED: gold vs silver
Nisab is the threshold that makes Zakat due. Both gold and silver nisab are used. Choose one approach with trusted guidance and keep it consistent.
Silver nisab
Often a lower threshold
In many markets, silver is cheaper than gold. Using silver nisab can make more people eligible to pay Zakat. Some choose it to be cautious and maximize benefit to recipients.
Gold nisab
Often a higher threshold
Gold nisab can reduce hardship for people with modest savings who might exceed a lower silver threshold. Many choose it depending on context and trusted scholarly guidance.
UAE gold pricing note
For jewellery valuation, many use a local market benchmark (often gold souq pricing) adjusted for purity. If estimating resale value, many avoid including making charges. The most important thing is using a reasonable approach consistently year to year.
Deductions
Debts: what can you subtract?
A practical approach many follow is subtracting short-term liabilities due soon. Long-term debts can be treated differently depending on scholarly method.
Common practical method
Subtract liabilities you must pay soon from your current wealth, such as credit card balances due, bills due, and near-term instalments. Avoid subtracting the entire remaining balance of a long-term loan unless your trusted method explicitly allows it.
Common UAE examples
- Credit card balance due soon
- Rent due soon (if payment is imminent)
- Utility bills due
- Near-term instalments due
Areas needing guidance
- Long-term loans (car, mortgage)
- Business liabilities and receivables
- Large family obligations
- Complex investment debts
If debt is complex, consult a scholar and choose a method you can repeat annually with confidence.
UAE notes
UAE-specific notes: gold, salary savings, and remittances
These are common scenarios for residents and families in the UAE.
Salary savings
If you can access saved salary, it is commonly included. Many people keep savings across multiple accounts; include all balances you own.
Remittances
If you hold money in another country or send funds home, Zakat remains tied to ownership. Convert currencies on your Zakat date and record the rate.
Family gold
Responsibility follows ownership. If gold is shared, estimate shares reasonably and stay consistent year to year.
Gold souq shortcut
If you do not know exact value, estimate by grams and purity and use a reputable local benchmark price for the Zakat date. The calculator can help you translate grams into value if you track the price you used.
Examples
Examples you can copy (UAE / AED)
These are simplified examples using a net wealth approach. Your exact treatment can differ depending on your scholarly method.
Example A: cash and debts
| Bank balance | AED 12,000 |
| Cash | AED 1,000 |
| Total assets | AED 13,000 |
| Debts due soon | AED 1,000 |
| Net zakatable | AED 12,000 |
If eligible, Zakat is commonly calculated as 2.5% of net zakatable wealth.
Example B: gold and cash
| Gold jewellery value | AED 20,000 |
| Cash and savings | AED 5,000 |
| Total assets | AED 25,000 |
| Debts due soon | AED 2,000 |
| Net zakatable | AED 23,000 |
Keep a yearly note: Zakat date, gold price source used, and totals. It makes future years easier and consistent.
Best practice
Save a short annual record: Zakat date, totals, nisab method (gold or silver), and Zakat paid. This improves consistency and confidence.
Avoid mistakes
Common mistakes (UAE edition)
These are frequent errors that lead to confusion or inconsistent calculation.
Mistakes people make
- Using a Gregorian year instead of a lunar year (slow underpayment over time).
- Forgetting gold jewellery or valuing it inconsistently each year.
- Subtracting full long-term loan balances without a trusted method.
- Switching nisab methods just to reduce payment (lack of consistency).
- Not keeping a yearly record of Zakat date and totals.
Simple fixes
- Pick a Hijri-based Zakat date and stick to it.
- Keep a note of gold price source used each year.
- Only subtract near-term debts (unless your method differs).
- Use the calculator once on your Zakat date.
- Store a short annual record in notes or spreadsheet.
Ready to calculate
Get a clean AED breakdown
Use the calculator for total assets, deductible debts, net zakatable wealth, and the final amount due.
Related guides
Explore more zakat guides
Continue with the most relevant topics to complete your Zakat understanding.
Evidence
Qur’an and Sahih Hadith references
These references establish Zakat as an obligation, clarify recipients, and emphasize accountability for wealth.
Qur’an
Command to establish prayer and give Zakat
Qur’an 2:43
Shows Zakat as a core obligation paired with prayer.
Qur’an
Zakat recipients (8 categories)
Qur’an 9:60
Defines who Zakat can be given to and clarifies distribution.
Qur’an
Zakat purifies wealth
Qur’an 9:103
Highlights purification and spiritual benefit tied to giving.
Qur’an
Warning against hoarding wealth
Qur’an 9:34 to 9:35
Warns against hoarding and failing to spend in the way of Allah.
Hadith
Islam built upon five pillars (includes Zakat)
Sahih al-Bukhari 8
Places Zakat among the pillars of Islam.
Hadith
Five pillars narration (includes Zakat)
Sahih Muslim 16
Corroborates the pillars narration in Sahih Muslim.
Hadith
Warning against withholding Zakat on wealth
Sahih Muslim 987a
Strong warning regarding withholding Zakat, showing accountability.
Hadith
Nisab thresholds referenced (silver)
Sahih al-Bukhari 1447
Authentic narration commonly cited when discussing nisab thresholds.
Note: Some application details (jewellery, debts, modern assets) can differ by scholarly opinion. Choose a trusted approach and apply it consistently each year.
FAQ
UAE zakat questions
Quick answers to common UAE-specific questions.
Is Zakat obligatory in the UAE?▾
Yes. Zakat is tied to your wealth meeting nisab and the conditions of Zakat (commonly hawl: one lunar year). Living in the UAE does not remove the obligation.
Should I calculate Zakat in AED?▾
If most of your assets and spending are in AED, calculating in AED is practical. If you hold other currencies, convert them on your Zakat date using a reasonable rate and keep a note.
Do I pay Zakat on gold jewellery in the UAE?▾
Scholars differ about Zakat on personal jewellery. Many Muslims in the Gulf choose to pay on jewellery as a safer option. If you follow an opinion that exempts some personal jewellery, be consistent and consult a qualified scholar for your situation.
Which gold price should I use (souq/spot/retail)?▾
Use a reasonable market value for your gold on your Zakat date. Many people use a local benchmark (often gold souq pricing) adjusted for purity and estimate resale value rather than including making charges. Consistency year to year matters.
Can I subtract rent, car loan, or credit card debt?▾
Many people subtract short-term liabilities due soon (the next due payments), not the full long-term balance. Credit card balances due soon are commonly subtracted. For complex debts, consult a scholar for a consistent method.
Is paying in Ramadan required?▾
No. Many pay in Ramadan for convenience, but Zakat is due on your Zakat date. You may pay early if helpful; avoid delaying past the due date without a valid reason.
About this Content
Written by the Zakat Finance editorial team. All content is based on authentic Islamic scholarship and is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy. The content aims to provide guidance on Zakat calculation and does not replace advice from a qualified Islamic scholar.
Last updated: February 2026
Method note: We present common scholarly approaches to Zakat calculation, encouraging consultation with trusted scholars for personal cases.