No, feeding wild pigeons in the UAE is prohibited under Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 on Animal Welfare and local municipal ordinances, which classify it as an act of animal disturbance. Violations may incur fines up to AED 20,000 or imprisonment, as enforced by Dubai Municipality’s Animal Control and Dubai Police. The UAE’s 2026 sustainability goals further restrict practices disrupting urban ecosystems.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in United Arab Emirates
- Federal Law No. 16 of 2007: Explicitly bans feeding wild birds in public spaces to prevent health hazards and ecological imbalance, with penalties outlined in Article 28.
- Local Municipal Codes: Dubai Municipality’s Public Hygiene Bylaw (2023) and Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency (EAD) guidelines prohibit pigeon feeding, citing risks of disease transmission and property damage.
- Public Nuisance Violations: Under UAE Penal Code Article 379, excessive feeding that attracts pests or harms public order may result in fines or legal action, as seen in recent 2024 enforcement cases.