Abu Dhabi Opens 2026 Camel Grazing Season with New Rules

Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has officially announced the start of the 2026 camel grazing season in Abu Dhabi. This year, the grazing season will run from 22 April to 15 October.

The grazing season is implemented under Law No. (11) of 2020, which regulates grazing activities across the emirate. The law aims to protect natural pastures, organise traditional practices, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources while preserving camel grazing as an important cultural tradition.

EAD is responsible for enforcing this law in coordination with relevant authorities. The goal is to balance environmental protection with the needs of local communities.

To make the process easier, eligible applicants can obtain a grazing licence instantly through the TAMM platform. The fee for a new licence is AED 250, while renewal costs AED 150.

To qualify for a licence, applicants must:

• Be a UAE national
• Employ a camel ranger aged 18 or above
• Hold a valid livestock inventory certificate approved by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority

Licence holders must follow strict rules while grazing camels. They are required to graze only in open desert areas and maintain a minimum distance of two kilometres from protected and sensitive locations such as nature reserves, forests, residential zones, roads, and military or petroleum sites.

Camels must always be supervised by a ranger, and grazing should only take place during the approved period mentioned in the licence.

The regulations also include several environmental protection measures. Camel owners are strictly prohibited from:

• Transferring their licence to others
• Introducing harmful plants, animals, or substances
• Damaging vegetation by cutting, burning, or uprooting plants
• Using vehicles or machinery that harm the land
• Approaching water wells or protected areas
• Leaving waste or tools behind in grazing areas

These measures are designed to protect biodiversity and ensure the long-term sustainability of natural grazing lands in Abu Dhabi.

EAD has highlighted the important role of camel owners and breeders in following these rules. Their cooperation helps protect the environment, preserve traditional practices, and support sustainable grazing across the emirate.