President Sheikh Khalifa issues new grazing law for Abu Dhabi – The National

President Sheikh Khalifa issues new grazing law for Abu Dhabi – The National

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi will be tasked with overseeing the strategy

















A camel grazes near a road on a hazy day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak/The National







President Sheikh Khalifa has issued a new law to regulate grazing in Abu Dhabi in an effort to safeguard the emirate's natural resources.



The legislation - which will be enforced by Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) - stipulates that grazing areas must be two kilometres away from natural reserves and outside the borders of critical habitats.



Those wishing to manage grazing areas for camels and other livestock must apply for a permit from the authority.



The regulations aim to prevent overgrazing and protect the environment from desertification and ensure there is no further loss of native wild plants, which can in turn contribute to preventing soil erosion.



Grazing is the process of allowing livestock to directly consume the growing forage in a pasture or rangeland.





To obtain a grazing permit, the applicant must be a UAE citizen, at least 21 years old and have a valid certificate stating their ownership of the livestock from the concerned authorities as well as registered livestock