It is strictly regulated.
Collecting feathers in the UAE is prohibited without prior authorization from federal or local environmental authorities due to protections under the Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on the Protection and Development of the Environment and Cabinet Resolution No. 22 of 2016. Violations may result in fines up to AED 2 million or imprisonment, with stricter penalties for endangered species under the 2026 UAE Wildlife Protection Strategy. Exceptions exist for scientific research with permits from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) or local emirate authorities like Dubai’s Environmental Protection and Safety Section.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in United Arab Emirates
- Protected Species Ban: Collecting feathers from native or migratory birds listed under CITES UAE (e.g., houbara bustard, falcons) is illegal without a CITES permit from MOCCAE. Non-compliance triggers penalties under Federal Law No. 11 of 2020 on endangered species.
- Permit Requirements: All feather collection—even from non-protected species—requires a wildlife collection permit from local authorities (e.g., Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency – EAD). Permits are issued only for approved purposes like education or conservation.
- Cultural and Religious Restrictions: Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia) and UAE’s Federal Penal Code (Article 337) criminalize harm to birds, including feather collection, unless for licensed falconry or traditional practices with prior approval.