2026 Camel Grazing Season Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi with New Regulations

In alignment with directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has officially declared the opening of the 2026 camel grazing season in Abu Dhabi, scheduled from April 22 to October 15.

This initiative follows Law No. (11) of 2020, which governs grazing activities in the emirate. This legislation aims to safeguard natural pastures, regulate traditional practices, and promote the sustainable use of resources while valuing camel grazing as a key cultural heritage.

The EAD will oversee the enforcement of this law in collaboration with relevant authorities, focusing on harmonizing environmental protection with community needs.

To facilitate the licensing process, eligible candidates can secure a grazing licence quickly via the TAMM platform. The initial fee for a new licence is AED 250, while the renewal charge is AED 150.

Eligibility criteria for a licence include:

• Being a UAE citizen
• Employing a camel ranger aged 18 or older
• Possessing a valid livestock inventory certificate recognized by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority

Licence holders are required to adhere to stringent regulations while grazing their camels. Grazing must occur solely in open desert regions and maintain a minimum distance of two kilometres from sensitive areas, including nature reserves, residential areas, roads, and military or petroleum sites.

Supervision by a ranger is mandatory, and grazing is strictly confined to the designated timeframe outlined in the licence.

Several environmental protective measures are integrated into the regulations. Camel owners are expressly forbidden from:

• Transferring their licence to another individual
• Introducing harmful flora, fauna, or substances
• Causing damage to vegetation through cutting, burning, or uprooting
• Utilizing machinery that harms the ecosystem
• Approaching water sources or protected zones
• Leaving behind waste or tools in grazing regions

These initiatives aim to safeguard biodiversity and ensure the sustainable management of grazing lands in Abu Dhabi.

EAD emphasizes the crucial part camel owners and breeders play in following these guidelines. Their partnership is vital for environmental conservation, the preservation of traditional practices, and the advancement of sustainable grazing across the emirate.