Executive Regulations of Law No. (11) of 2020 for Grazing in Abu Dhabi
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued 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 as 1 May-15 October to enhance and sustain biodiversity and ensure the continuity of pastures for future generations.
Protecting Natural Pastures in Abu Dhabi
EAD is responsible for implementing the law, which aims to regulate grazing to protect natural pastures and promote sustainable traditional practices in coordination with the relevant authorities. This will secure protected areas and critical and sensitive natural habitats, according to precise principles that will protect plants of all kinds from overgrazing. The measures contribute to allowing the natural pastures to recover and protect the desert environment from pressures caused by overgrazing.
Requirements for Grazing License
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 Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA).
Compliance with Environmental Requirements
Licensees 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. They should also not damage or harm the biodiversity or cause any damage to the local environment in the grazing areas and adhere to the permitted grazing seasons.
Awareness Lectures for Farm and Livestock Owners
EAD, in cooperation with the Majalis Abu Dhabi at the Presidential Court, also organised a series of nine awareness lectures titled The Practice of Grazing Within the Framework of Preserving and Sustaining Pastures. More than 350 farm owners and livestock owners have attended the lecture series so far, which aims to promote, educate and raise awareness of preserving and developing the natural environment.
Applicants should fill out the form, attach the required documents, and send them via email to: customerhappiness@ead.gov.ae. Upon completion, the customer will be sent a link to pay AED 250, after which an electronic copy of the grazing licence will be issued and sent to the customer via email.
Overall: Regulations issued by EAD for sustainable grazing practices in Abu Dhabi to protect natural pastures and promote biodiversity. Grazing licenses require compliance with environmental requirements. EAD conducts awareness lectures for farm and livestock owners.
