UAE Illegal Falcon Trade: Fines Skyrocket to $544K + 4 Years Jail

The UAE has introduced one of its toughest environmental enforcement regimes to date, delivering a clear warning to businesses and individuals involved in wildlife trade, falconry, and cross-border import and export activities.

Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025: A New Enforcement Era

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025, which takes effect in early 2026, the UAE has overhauled its wildlife protection framework, replacing legislation that had been in force since 2002. The reforms are specifically designed to eradicate illegal wildlife trade, with a strong focus on high demand species such as peregrine falcons.

Severe Penalties for Illegal Falcon Trade

The new law introduces dramatically increased penalties. Fines now range from AED 30,000 to AED 2 million, equivalent to approximately USD 544,000, compared to previous penalties of around USD 8,000. Serious violations carry custodial sentences of up to four years, and repeat foreign offenders may face mandatory deportation. These sanctions apply to illegal import, export, possession, breeding, or trade of protected species in breach of international conventions.

Alignment with International Wildlife Protection Standards

The reforms strengthen the UAE’s implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), ensuring that all activities involving endangered animals and plants meet strict international requirements. The measures are intended to deter trafficking while supporting legitimate, regulated trade.

Expanded Powers for Regulatory Authorities

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has been granted enhanced enforcement powers, including immediate seizure of illegally traded specimens, suspension of unauthorised shipments, and stricter control over falcon passports, phytosanitary certificates, and quarantine procedures. These measures align UAE practices with global frameworks such as the World Organisation for Animal Health and the International Plant Protection Convention.

Global Context and Heightened Scrutiny

The reforms follow increased international scrutiny of falcon trade routes, including investigative reporting highlighting illegal nest raids and unlawful exports linked to Middle Eastern markets. Authorities have emphasised that the new law is designed to protect biodiversity, preserve species status, and ensure the UAE is not used as a conduit for illegal wildlife activity.

Uniform Application Across the UAE, Including Free Zones

The regulations apply uniformly across all UAE jurisdictions, including free zones such as DIFC and ADGM. This eliminates regulatory gaps and ensures that wildlife related compliance obligations apply equally to all businesses, regardless of location or licensing authority.

What Businesses Must Do Now

Companies involved in wildlife related activities, logistics, import and export, breeding, falconry, or related commercial operations must urgently review and update their compliance frameworks. This includes verifying permits, documentation, quarantine procedures, and internal controls to ensure full alignment with the new law and international standards.

Conclusion

The UAE’s crackdown on illegal falcon trade represents a decisive shift toward zero tolerance for wildlife crime. While legitimate trade is supported through modernised procedures, non-compliance now carries severe financial, criminal, and operational consequences.

For businesses seeking guidance, Al Kabban & Associates, with over 30 years of experience in UAE law and recognition by Legal 500, stands ready to help corporations build resilience against legal risks while ensuring compliance with local and international standards. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at +971 4 453 9090 or visit www.alkabban.com. You can also follow us on social media for more updates on everything law related in the UAE: @Alkabban_Law

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