The ban aims to restore natural grazing lands, promote the regeneration of native vegetation and protect biodiversity while preserving Abu Dhabi’s fragile desert ecosystems.
Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced the end of the 2026 camel grazing season, with an annual ban on grazing scheduled to begin across the emirate on October 16 and continue until May 14, 2027.
This year’s grazing season followed an adjusted schedule, beginning earlier than in previous years under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD’s Board of Directors.
The season commenced on April 22, ahead of the customary May 15 start date, following an assessment conducted by the agency in collaboration with relevant authorities.
The decision to bring forward the grazing season was influenced by substantial rainfall across Abu Dhabi in the preceding months, which encouraged vegetation growth and provided improved conditions for camel grazing.
Preserving Abu Dhabi’s desert ecosystem
The seasonal grazing ban is designed to give natural rangelands sufficient time to recover, allowing native plants and vegetation to regenerate without disturbance from grazing activities.
The measure plays an important role in safeguarding biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance and protecting the emirate’s fragile desert habitats.
EAD has urged camel owners and livestock keepers to strictly observe the restrictions, emphasising that compliance is vital to preserving the health and long-term sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s natural grazing lands.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) also thanked camel owners and breeders for their cooperation throughout the grazing season, acknowledging their commitment to following environmental regulations aimed at protecting vegetation and maintaining the sustainability of the emirate’s natural pastures.
The agency emphasised that responsible grazing practices and continued compliance with environmental guidelines are essential to preserving Abu Dhabi’s rangelands for future generations.
Camel grazing regulated under Abu Dhabi law
Camel grazing activities in Abu Dhabi are regulated under Law No. (11) of 2020, which establishes the legal framework for managing grazing practices across the emirate.
Under the law’s executive regulations, grazing licences are available to UAE nationals aged 21 and above, provided they employ a ranger who is at least 18 years old.
Licence holders must ensure their camels remain under the supervision of a designated ranger at all times and that grazing takes place strictly within the period authorised by their permit.
The regulations also prohibit the transfer of grazing licences to other individuals.
Eligible camel owners can apply for a new grazing licence or renew an existing one instantly through the UAE’s TAMM government services platform in preparation for the next grazing season.
The fee for obtaining a new grazing licence is Dh250, while renewing an existing permit costs Dh150.
