Exotic pets have exploded in popularity worldwide, from TikTok videos featuring monkeys in hoodies to Instagram-famous snakes and big cats lounging in luxury. But while some countries allow private ownership of these animals, the United Arab Emirates takes a much stricter stance.
In the UAE, exotic pet ownership isn’t just discouraged, in most cases, it’s outright illegal. These laws are not arbitrary. They exist to protect public safety, prevent animal abuse, and uphold international conservation agreements.
If you live in the UAE or are planning to move here with a non-traditional pet, this guide is essential reading. It breaks down everything you need to know, from which exotic animals are banned to the legal consequences and possible alternatives.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll cover the current list of banned dog breeds in the UAE, explain the difference between import bans and local ownership, and provide practical guidance for residents and expats.
In this article, you’ll learn:
What animals are considered “exotic” under UAE law
Whether it’s legal to own monkeys, snakes, parrots, and other non-traditional pets in Dubai
The penalties for owning a banned exotic animal
Who can legally keep exotic pets in the UAE (and who can’t)
Whether you can apply for an exotic pet license as a private citizen
Legal, exotic-like pets you can own without breaking the law
Key UAE animal laws you need to know before importing or adopting an unusual pet
In the UAE, the term “exotic pet” generally refers to any animal that is not domesticated for home living, especially those considered wild, dangerous, or endangered.
This includes:
Primates (e.g., monkeys, chimpanzees)
Big cats (e.g., lions, tigers, cheetahs)
Reptiles (e.g., snakes, iguanas, certain lizards)
Birds of prey (e.g., eagles, hawks — with licensed falconry as a cultural exception)
Endangered or protected species under international treaties
The UAE follows guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and international agreements such as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). If an animal is listed under these frameworks, it’s typically banned for personal ownership unless specific institutional licensing applies.
No — exotic pets are banned for personal ownership across the UAE. This isn’t a loophole you can navigate with permits or private enclosures. It’s a hard line, enforced by Federal Law No. 22 of 2016, better known as the UAE Animal Welfare Law.
You cannot legally own:
Monkeys
Big cats like lions, tigers, or cheetahs
Snakes — venomous or non-venomous
Wild mammals like foxes or wolves
Most non-domesticated birds and reptiles
These animals are considered dangerous, non-domesticated, and often endangered — making private ownership a threat to both public safety and global conservation efforts.
🧠 Did you know? In recent years, social media videos showing lions in Dubai backyards sparked massive public outrage. Those animals were later seized by authorities, and the owners fined under UAE wildlife law.
So who can own exotic pets? Only licensed entities such as zoos, wildlife parks, and government-sanctioned conservation centers. Private citizens — even with the best intentions — are not exempt, no matter how secure or humane the environment may seem.
Trying to import, sell, or keep an exotic animal privately in the UAE is a clear legal violation, not a gray area.
Curious whether you can own a monkey, snake, or parrot in Dubai? Here’s the no-nonsense breakdown of the most commonly searched exotic animals — and whether you can legally keep them as a pet in the UAE:
| Animal | Legal for Personal Ownership? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monkeys | ❌ No | Completely banned. Only licensed zoos and institutions may possess them. |
| Snakes | ❌ No | All species — venomous and non-venomous — are banned. |
| Parrots | ✅ Yes (some species) | Legal if species is not endangered; registration may apply. |
| Falcons | ✅ Yes (licensed) | Deeply tied to UAE heritage; requires license, microchipping, tracking. |
| Turtles | ✅ Yes (some species) | Legal if not endangered; many require CITES documentation. |
| Big Cats | ❌ No | Lions, tigers, cheetahs, etc. are strictly banned under federal law. |
| Iguanas | ❌ No | Considered wild/exotic; ownership not permitted. |
| Ferrets | ⚠️ Unclear / Risky | Not officially banned, but often treated as exotic — best avoided. |
In the UAE, exotic animal ownership isn’t a minor violation—it’s a criminal offense. The penalties are designed to protect public safety and wildlife conservation, and enforcement has been increasing in recent years. If you’re caught owning, trading, or displaying a banned exotic pet, the consequences can be severe.
According to Federal Law No. 22 of 2016, individuals who possess wild or exotic animals without authorization face:
Fines: AED 10,000 to AED 500,000 for personal or trading violations. middleeasteye.net
Jail Time: Up to 6 months for possession, and up to 7 years if the animal causes a disability or fatality. uaecabinet.ae
Seizure & Rehoming: Confiscated animals are handed over to licensed state or wildlife bodies. Offenders may also face a ban from future pet ownership.
Blacklisting: Authorities can prevent offenders from importing or registering any future animal.
In 2015, a breeder offered servals and cheetah cubs online for AED 5,500–7,700. UAE vets warned of fines up to AED 100,000 and confiscations; 32 cheetahs were seized between 2007–2013 at one border checkpoint.
All exotic pet owners in Sharjah were given a 30-day notice to hand over animals or face AED 100,000 fines plus confiscation. A lion’s roar from a residential home triggered enforcement.
Authorities formed a special task force to hunt for illegal exotic animals in residential areas after reports of a “big cat” escape. Confiscations and strong warnings followed.
In 2021, a Fujairah resident was investigated after footage of a wild cat in a residential community surfaced. The animal was seized and an investigation launched.
Viral footage captured tigers on a Dubai beach near the Burj Al Arab and a lioness wandering through residential streets—highlighting how social media triggers police action.
In short, the UAE government has made its position clear: exotic pets have no place in private homes. The risk to public safety, combined with the ethical and ecological concerns, has left no legal room for private exotic ownership—no matter how harmless or well cared for the animal may seem.
While exotic pets are banned for individuals, there are specific exceptions built into UAE law — but they apply only to official, regulated institutions, not private citizens.
Entities legally permitted to keep exotic or wild animals include:
Licensed zoos and wildlife parks
Scientific and research institutions
Government-approved animal conservation centers
Breeding programs operating under federal or emirate-level approval
These organizations are subject to strict regulations regarding animal welfare, habitat quality, species tracking, and medical care. Many are also aligned with global conservation frameworks such as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
One notable exception is falconry. Owing to its deep cultural and historical roots in the UAE, licensed individuals are permitted to own and train falcons. However, even here, regulation is tight. Falcons must be registered, microchipped, and licensed, and may only be used for specific, permitted purposes such as sport, conservation work, or traditional competitions.
For everyone else — including collectors, influencers, and animal lovers — there are no personal ownership exemptions, regardless of intent, habitat conditions, or the animal’s behavior.
In short: unless you’re operating a government-approved facility or part of a registered falconry program, there is no legal way to own an exotic animal in the UAE.
No, individuals cannot apply for a license to own an exotic pet in the UAE. There is no government process that allows private citizens to request or obtain legal permission to keep exotic animals, regardless of how secure, humane, or well-maintained the environment may be.
Licensing is reserved exclusively for:
Government-recognized wildlife facilities
Scientific research institutions
Zoos and conservation programs
Licensed falconers (for specific bird species only)
Even veterinary clinics, breeders, and animal-related businesses cannot possess exotic species unless explicitly authorized for conservation, medical, or scientific purposes. Attempts to “work around” the law — such as trying to import animals under a different classification, using tourism licenses, or claiming private zoos — are routinely flagged and penalized.
If you’ve come across services claiming to offer exotic pet permits for individuals, especially through unofficial channels or social media — treat them as red flags. These are either scams or illegal operations that could lead to prosecution if reported.
Simply put: there is no legal pathway for residents or expats in the UAE to apply for or obtain an exotic pet license for personal use.
While the UAE bans most exotic animals, there are still plenty of legal alternatives for residents who want something more unique than a dog or cat (See the full list of pets that are allowed here). These animals may not be considered “wild,” but they offer many of the same visual appeal or novelty — without breaking the law.
Legal exotic-style pets in the UAE include:
Parrots and other non-endangered birds
Many species are permitted, especially if bred domestically. Licensing or microchipping may still apply.
Turtles (non-endangered species only)
You’ll need to avoid any species listed under CITES, but common varieties like red-eared sliders are legal.
Freshwater and saltwater aquarium fish
A massive variety of ornamental fish can be kept legally. Many aquatic stores in the UAE specialize in custom tank setups.
Fancy rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and hedgehogs
Hedgehog legality varies slightly by species, but many are approved for private ownership. Always confirm before purchase.
Certain lizards and reptiles
Leopard geckos, bearded dragons, and other small, non-venomous reptiles are generally legal, provided they are not endangered and sourced through approved sellers.
Dog breeds with exotic traits
While some dog breeds are restricted, others — like Afghan Hounds, Chow Chows, or Xoloitzcuintlis — offer a rare appearance without legal issues.
If you’re unsure whether an animal is permitted, always verify with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) or refer to the CITES species list before importing or purchasing. Ownership of a non-listed animal today doesn’t guarantee it will remain legal in the future — and claiming ignorance won’t help if laws change.
Looking for more options? Read: [What Pets Are Legal in Dubai? (2025 Guide)]
No. Monkeys are classified as exotic animals and are banned for personal ownership in the UAE. Only licensed zoos or institutions are allowed to keep them.
No. All snake species — including non-venomous types — are prohibited for private ownership. Importing or selling snakes is also illegal without special institutional licensing.
Yes, but only certain species. Non-endangered parrots (such as cockatiels or African greys) are generally allowed, but may require registration or licensing. Endangered species listed under CITES are restricted.
Yes, but only if the species is not endangered. Many common turtles are legal, but it’s your responsibility to confirm the species is not protected under UAE law or CITES regulations.
Ferrets fall into a legal grey area. They’re not explicitly banned, but they are often treated as exotic animals by authorities. Ownership is risky and not recommended unless clarified by MOCCAE.
No. The UAE does not issue exotic pet licenses to individuals. Permits are limited to institutions like zoos, conservation centers, and licensed falconers under strict regulations.
No. Even transit or short-term possession of a banned animal can result in confiscation and fines. UAE customs strictly monitor all animal imports and exports.
You may face a fine of up to AED 500,000, possible jail time, and immediate confiscation of the animal. Authorities have zero tolerance, even if the pet appears harmless or well cared for.
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