The UAE is strengthening its wildlife protection laws from early 2026. A new federal decree replaces old legislation, aiming to stop wildlife traffickers. Stricter rules will regulate trade in endangered species and prevent illegal imports. Penalties are significantly increased, including hefty fines and prison sentences. This move aligns the UAE with international conservation efforts.
For over two decades, the rules governing how plants and animals crossed the UAE’s borders remained largely unchanged. However, as of early 2026, the game has officially shifted. The UAE government has replaced its 22-year-old legislation with a sweeping new federal decree, Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025. This update isn’t just about minor tweaks; it’s a total overhaul designed to turn the country into a hostile territory for wildlife traffickers while simplifying life for legal traders. According to Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, this law signals a “zero-tolerance” policy. It aligns the UAE perfectly with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), ensuring that every exotic plant or rare animal that enters the country is tracked, verified, and protected.
UAE’s new wildlife protection rules
At the heart of these updates are measures that:
- Regulate endangered species: Trade in certain plants and animal species is either restricted or permitted only with appropriate documentation, such as health certificates and permits issued by recognised authorities.
- Prevent illegal imports and exports: Customs, airport, sea, and land officials have been briefed to enforce checks on species listed under international conventions such as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
- Set strict penalties: Violations can attract substantial fines, in some cases up to AED 2 million, and possible imprisonment for those involved in illegal trading or possession of protected plants and animals, as outlined in draft federal proposals discussed earlier this year.
CITES itself is a global agreement designed to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals does not threaten their survival in the wild. It covers thousands of species that are classified by level of protection needed, and UAE participation means these rules are part of national law too. The law has also clarified and modernized the “travel documents” required for nature. It introduces precise definitions for things like “Falcon Passports” and “Phytosanitary Certificates.” These rules apply universally across the entire UAE, including all free zones like the DIFC and ADGM, leaving no legal grey areas for traders to exploit.
Looking forward
The UAE is no longer just issuing warnings. The new decree gives the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and local customs authorities broader executive powers to seize illegal specimens on the spot.To discourage traffickers, the penalties have been significantly “upgraded.” Offenders now face:
- Prison Sentences: Serious violations can lead to jail terms of up to 15 years.
- Massive Fines: Financial penalties have skyrocketed, with some fines reaching AED 2 million.
- Confiscation: Illegal plants and animals will be immediately seized and moved to specialized “Relief Centres” for rehabilitation or repatriation.
By placing “wildlife cybercrime” at the top of the agenda for the 2026 UN Congress on Crime Prevention, the UAE is making it clear that the digital and physical borders of the Emirates are closed to those who wish to exploit the planet’s biodiversity.
