Dubai Birds – Premium Exotic Birds in Dubai

    UAE exotic bird ownership laws

    What is legal, what isn’t, what paperwork to ask for, and what the penalties are. A practical guide for UAE residents buying or already owning exotic parrots.

    Reviewed by Hamza, Avian Care Lead at Dubai Birds since 2018

    2. The two federal laws every bird owner should understand

    Federal Law 22 of 2016 — Possession of Dangerous Animals

    In force since January 2017

    This is the law most people have heard of. It came into force in January 2017 and was the first comprehensive ban on private ownership of dangerous wild animals in the Arab world.

    • · Private ownership, possession, trade, and breeding of dangerous animals is prohibited.
    • · Only zoos, wildlife parks, circuses, breeding centres, scientific research centres, and specialised care centres can legally hold dangerous animals — and only with proper licensing.
    • · The dangerous-animals list (Annex 1) covers big cats, primates, large reptiles (crocodiles, large constrictor snakes, venomous snakes), and certain other exotic mammals.
    • · Penalties: fines from AED 10,000 to AED 700,000, possible imprisonment, and confiscation of the animal.

    Pet parrots, songbirds, and ornamental birds are not classified as dangerous animals under this law. Confusion arises because the law is sometimes described in media as a ban on “exotic pets” — but the legal definition of “exotic” in this context refers specifically to dangerous wildlife, not all non-native species.

    Federal Law 11 of 2002 — International Trade in Endangered Species

    UAE’s implementation of CITES

    This is the law that actually governs the parrot trade in the UAE. It implements CITES — the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora — at the UAE federal level.

    • · It is illegal to import, export, re-export, or trade CITES-listed species without the appropriate permits.
    • · The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is the designated CITES Management Authority.
    • · Permits are required for both commercial and personal transactions involving CITES species.

    Federal Law 16 of 2007 — Animal Welfare

    This law covers humane treatment, housing, transport, and care standards for all animals in the UAE — including pet birds. It prohibits cruelty, neglect, and inadequate housing. Pet owners are legally responsible for providing appropriate cages, food, water, and veterinary care.

    3. What is CITES and why does it matter?

    CITES is an international agreement signed by 184+ countries that regulates trade in endangered animals and plants. It places species into three lists called Appendices, based on conservation status.

    AppendixWhat it meansExamples among parrots
    Appendix IMost endangered. International commercial trade in wild-caught specimens is generally banned. Captive-bred specimens from CITES-registered breeding facilities can be traded with strict permits.African Grey Parrot, all macaws (Hyacinth, Scarlet, Blue-and-Gold, Green-Winged), Moluccan Cockatoo, Umbrella Cockatoo, Yellow-Crested Cockatoo
    Appendix IIThreatened, but trade is allowed with permits.Sun Conure, Green-Cheeked Conure, most Amazon parrots, many lovebird species
    Appendix IIIProtected in at least one country.Varies by listing country.

    Why this matters when you buy: A reputable seller will know exactly which Appendix your chosen bird falls under and will provide the relevant CITES paperwork. If a seller cannot or will not produce these documents, that is a red flag.

    Important historical note for African Grey buyers. The African Grey Parrot was uplisted from CITES Appendix II to Appendix I in 2017. This means that today, all African Greys traded internationally must come from CITES-registered captive-breeding facilities, and each transaction requires CITES export and import permits. Wild-caught African Greys cannot be legally traded for commercial purposes. See our African Grey care guide for the full species-specific brief.

    4. Documents to ask for when buying a parrot in the UAE

    Before paying for any parrot, ask the seller for the following. A legitimate seller will produce these without hesitation.

    For CITES Appendix I species (African Grey, macaws, most cockatoos)

    • ·CITES Release Certificate — issued by MOCCAE upon legal import after 2018, OR
    • ·Certificate of Ownership — issued by MOCCAE for birds bred in the UAE or imported before 2018
    • ·Veterinary health certificate confirming the bird is free of common avian diseases
    • ·Closed leg ring or microchip — modern captive-bred birds carry a unique closed ring applied at hatching, or a microchip
    • ·Hatch records / breeder information — a reputable breeder will tell you when and where the bird was hatched

    For CITES Appendix II species (most conures, cockatiels, Amazons)

    • ·CITES Release Certificate or Certificate of Ownership, as above
    • ·Veterinary health certificate
    • ·Leg ring or microchip (recommended; sometimes optional for non-Appendix-I species)

    For non-CITES birds (canaries, budgerigars, finches)

    • ·Veterinary health certificate
    • ·Receipt of sale

    Keep all documents safely. If you ever sell, re-home, travel with, or take your bird to a vet, you may be asked to produce them.

    5. MOCCAE registration for individual owners

    For pet ownership of CITES-listed birds, the responsibility for permits typically rests with the importer or breeder rather than the individual buyer. When you purchase from a licensed UAE breeder or pet retailer, the bird should already have its CITES Release Certificate transferred to your name as part of the sale.

    However:

    • · If you import a bird yourself from outside the UAE, you must apply for an import permit through the MOCCAE digital services portal before the bird arrives.
    • · If you breed CITES-listed birds, you need to be a registered breeder.
    • · If you ever export or re-export your bird (for example, when relocating), you must apply for an export permit.

    For the latest official guidance, refer directly to moccae.gov.ae .

    6. Banned and restricted species (the absolute “no” list)

    Under Federal Law 22/2016, the following are absolutely prohibited for private ownership in the UAE:

    • All big cats (lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, panthers, jaguars)
    • All primates (monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons, lemurs, slow lorises)
    • Large constrictor snakes, venomous snakes, crocodilians, monitor lizards
    • Spiders and scorpions classified as dangerous
    • Certain exotic mammals (raccoons, hyenas)

    For birds specifically, there is no blanket ban list under Federal Law 22/2016. The restrictions are CITES-based, meaning the bird must come with the right paperwork. However, certain species may be subject to import suspensions at any given time — for example, when the CITES Standing Committee imposes trade suspensions on specific source countries or species. Always verify current status with MOCCAE before importing.

    Falcons are a special case: regulated separately under UAE falconry laws, with their own registration system and even passport-style documents for international travel. Dubai Birds does not deal in falcons.

    7. Penalties for non-compliance

    Under Federal Law 22/2016, Federal Law 11/2002, and Federal Law 16/2007:

    OffencePenalty
    Owning or trading a dangerous animal (big cat, primate, etc.)AED 10,000–700,000 fine, possible imprisonment, animal confiscated
    Trading CITES species without permitsFines up to AED 500,000, possible imprisonment, animal confiscated
    Using a dangerous animal to terrorise peopleHigher penalties under the UAE Penal Code
    Cruelty or neglect (Federal Law 16/2007)Fines plus possible animal removal

    The UAE government has an active enforcement programme. Animals confiscated under these laws are typically transferred to facilities like Dubai Safari Park’s quarantine section, and there is no reliable path to recover the animal once seized.

    8. How Dubai Birds operates within these laws

    We source every bird from approved breeders and licensed importers. For each bird sold:

    • ·We verify each bird’s CITES paperwork before purchase.
    • ·We transfer the Certificate of Ownership or CITES Release Certificate to the buyer’s name at point of sale.
    • ·Every bird undergoes a pre-sale veterinary check by a licensed avian vet.
    • ·We maintain records of every transaction so you can re-verify provenance years later if needed.
    • ·We do not deal in any species banned under Federal Law 22/2016, and we do not deal in wild-caught birds.

    If a permit or special documentation is required for a particular species you want, we guide you through the process. See our breeder network page for the full sourcing protocol, our vet partners page for the pre-sale veterinary check details, and our live price guide for current AED ranges across every species we sell legitimately.

    9. Frequently asked legal questions

    Are African Grey parrots legal to own in Dubai?
    Yes. African Greys are legal to own in the UAE provided the bird comes with a valid CITES Release Certificate (for post-2018 imports) or a Certificate of Ownership (for UAE-bred or pre-2018 birds). African Greys are CITES Appendix I, so they must be sourced from CITES-registered captive-breeding facilities — wild-caught African Greys cannot be legally traded.
    Do I need a permit to keep a parrot at home in the UAE?
    For most pet ownership scenarios, no individual permit is required — the seller handles CITES paperwork at point of sale and transfers the certificate of ownership to you. However, if you import a bird yourself, you must apply for a MOCCAE import permit before the bird arrives. If you breed CITES species, you need breeder registration.
    Are macaws legal in Dubai?
    Yes. Macaws are legal in the UAE with proper CITES paperwork. All macaw species are CITES Appendix I, meaning they must come from registered captive-breeding facilities with full permits. Avoid any seller offering a macaw without paperwork — that is a clear sign of an illegal source.
    Can I bring my pet parrot with me when I move to the UAE?
    Yes, but you will need a MOCCAE import permit issued before the bird arrives, plus an attested veterinary health certificate from your country of origin and CITES export documentation if the species is CITES-listed. The bird will be examined at the UAE port of entry. Plan at least 90 days ahead.
    What happens if I'm caught with an undocumented exotic bird?
    Penalties under Federal Law 11/2002 and Federal Law 22/2016 can include fines up to AED 500,000–700,000, possible imprisonment, and confiscation of the bird. The bird will not be returned. The legal route is always less expensive than the illegal one.
    Are budgerigars and cockatiels regulated like macaws?
    No. Budgerigars and cockatiels are not CITES-listed and have far simpler import and ownership requirements. A standard veterinary health certificate is generally sufficient. They are still subject to Federal Law 16/2007 animal welfare standards.
    Is buying from online classifieds or social-media groups safe?
    We strongly advise against buying birds through unverified social media accounts, encrypted apps, or classified ads. This trade has shifted from physical markets to private WhatsApp/Instagram groups since 2017, and many such sales involve birds without paperwork — meaning the buyer assumes legal liability. Always buy from a licensed retailer or registered breeder who can produce the full document chain.
    Where do I report suspected illegal wildlife trade?
    Contact the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) directly through their hotline or the digital services portal. You can also report to local police. The UAE government works with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority to monitor online listings of restricted species.
    Does Dubai Municipality have separate rules?
    Dubai Municipality enforces federal laws within Dubai and may have additional rules for noise, housing, and welfare in residential buildings. Always check your tenancy agreement and building rules — some apartment buildings restrict pet ownership entirely, regardless of the species being legal.
    What is the difference between CITES Appendix I and Appendix II?
    Appendix I species are the most endangered and have the strictest trade controls — wild-caught specimens cannot be commercially traded internationally, and even captive-bred trade requires both export and import permits. Appendix II species are threatened but allow trade with appropriate permits. Most parrots sold as pets in the UAE fall into one of these two appendices.

    10. Authoritative sources to verify directly

    Questions about a specific species or transaction?

    Send us a WhatsApp with the bird and the situation. We’ll tell you exactly what paperwork to ask for and walk you through MOCCAE if you need a permit.

    Ask Dubai Birds