Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced the Executive Regulations of Law No. 11 of 2020 framework regarding the regulation of grazing in Abu Dhabi. The annual grazing season in the emirate has been set from May 15 to October 1. The initiative is part of its efforts to ensure the recovery of vegetation in other parts of the year, sustain biodiversity, and ensure the continuity of pastures for future generations.
In July 2023, based on the Executive Regulation, EAD began issuing licenses to owners and breeders of livestock to regulate grazing activity and all related activities in Abu Dhabi. To obtain a grazing license, the applicant must be a UAE citizen and should not be less than 21 years old. The applicant must also have a valid livestock inventory certificate approved by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA).
The measures contribute to allowing the natural pastures to recover and protect the desert environment from pressures caused by overgrazing.
Livestock owners and breeders who meet the requirements can apply to EAD for a license after paying the application fees. They must also submit a copy of their Emirates ID card and an approved and valid animal wealth inventory certificate. Additionally, the owners must be registered in the animal identification and registration system in the emirate with the relevant authorities.
The applicant must identify the individuals who will accompany and care for the livestock and provide a copy of their Emirates IDs. Licence holders will be allowed to graze in open wild areas and should stay not less than 2km away from reserves, forests, residential, military, petroleum, and private areas, as well as all prohibited roads and locations. Furthermore, they will be required not to leave livestock grazing without accompaniment and to adhere to the period specified for grazing in the license, which is renewable after one year.
Those licensed to graze must comply with several environmental requirements, which include not introducing exotic plants, animals, or any harmful substances into grazing areas. They must also not uproot, burn, transport, cut, destroy, log, remove, or collect pasture plants or any part thereof in grazing areas.