No, owning a raccoon in the United Arab Emirates is prohibited under federal wildlife protection laws, as the species is classified as an invasive alien species by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). The UAE’s 2026 biodiversity compliance framework aligns with CITES and IUCN guidelines, explicitly banning private ownership of non-native mammals without special permits, which are rarely granted for raccoons.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in United Arab Emirates
- Federal Law No. 24 of 2006 (amended 2021) prohibits the possession, breeding, or trade of raccoons, classifying them as prohibited species under Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Trade Control Regulations.
- MOCCAE Circular 2024-12 mandates that all exotic pets must originate from licensed breeders accredited by the International Species Information System (ISIS), a requirement raccoons cannot meet due to their invasive status.
- Emirate-specific enforcement (e.g., Dubai’s Law No. 16 of 2016 on Animal Welfare) empowers authorities to confiscate illegal pets, with violators facing fines up to AED 50,000 and potential imprisonment under the Penal Code’s environmental crimes provisions.