Key takeaways
- The UAE requires registration of captive-bred falcons with Ministry-issued closed rings, and offers services for transfer and cancellation of ownership.
- A falcon passport, introduced in 2002, is a CITES-compliant document that allows permit-free movement. It includes falcon and owner details, requires a closed leg ring and is valid for three years.
- Importing or re-exporting CITES-listed species without a valid permit carries severe penalties, so check before any trip.
- Falcons tend to hide illness. Keep a consistent record of weight and condition and share it with an avian vet.
- Avian and raptor vets are specialists. Know which clinic treats falcons, and save its number before you need it.
Falcons are part of the UAE’s heritage, and for many owners they are family, partners and a serious responsibility all at once. They also live under a more detailed rulebook than a cat or a dog, because they are protected under international wildlife agreements. If you are new to falconry, or you are a long-time owner who wants a clear summary, this guide covers the essentials: the paperwork, the routines that keep a falcon healthy and the places to turn for help.
It is general information, not legal or veterinary advice. Falcon husbandry is best learned from experienced falconers and specialist vets, and the rules are set by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), so check with them for your own situation.
Do falcons have to be registered in the UAE?
Yes. According to a 2026 UAE presentation on regulating falconry, the country requires registration of captive-bred birds with Ministry-issued closed rings, and it provides services for ownership transfer and cancellation when needed. The rings, especially closed rings, help ensure that falcons used in trade and sport are captive-bred.
The wider legal background includes Federal Law No. 24 of 1990, which bans hunting, possession or trade of falcons without a permit, and Federal Law No. 11 of 2002, which regulates international trade in endangered species. A 2025 federal law sets strict penalties, of up to 15 years’ imprisonment and AED 2 million, for importing, re-exporting or introducing from the sea any CITES-listed species without a valid permit. The point of listing these is not to alarm you but to show why paperwork matters.
What is a falcon passport?
A falcon passport is a document that allows a registered falcon to travel internationally with its owner without a separate permit for each trip. The UAE says it was the first country in the world to launch one, in 2002, to set a global standard for regulating falcon ownership and international movement under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
| Feature | What the UAE presentation says |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 2002 |
| Purpose | A CITES-compliant document for permit-free movement |
| Contents | Falcon and owner details |
| Identification | Requires a closed leg ring |
| Validity | Three years |
Other sources add details, such as microchips and registration steps, and an older press report gave a registration fee. Fees and issuing offices differ between older sources, one reporting Dh100 and another Dh500, and the issuing arrangements may have changed since the ministry took over the CITES role. Treat older figures with caution and ask MOCCAE or an authorised falcon hospital for the current process.
What about CITES permits?
Where a passport does not apply, for example for imports of a new bird, you need a CITES permit. MOCCAE issues digital CITES permits for Appendices I, II and III, with secure QR code verification, recognised by 184 CITES member countries. The presentation lists import permits as valid for one year and export or re-export permits as valid for six months. Always check the validity on the permit itself.
Travel rules are not only about the UAE. Destination countries and airlines have their own requirements for live birds, and some require health certificates and quarantine. For a general picture of how pet imports and exports work, see our guide to bringing a pet into or out of the UAE, and then ask MOCCAE what applies to a falcon.
How do I keep a falcon healthy?
Specialists agree on a few principles, even though the detail depends on the species, the individual bird and the season. We stay at the level of general guidance here, because falcon management is a specialist skill.
- Monitor weight and condition. A raptor care sheet from a US veterinary centre says monitoring weight and condition is vital, and that falcons often stay healthiest within tight weight ranges specific to each bird. There is no single target for every falcon, so your vet or an experienced falconer should help you find your bird’s range.
- Weigh consistently. Weighing at the same time of day, with the same scale, makes changes easier to see. Write the numbers down. In Mori, falcon weights are recorded in grams for this reason.
- Expect changes in the moult and breeding season. The same care sheet notes that even tame birds can become aggressive during moult, in breeding season or after poor handling, so handle with extra care.
- Do not wait for obvious signs. Falcons tend to conceal illness, so a bird that looks quiet or off its usual routine deserves attention sooner rather than later.
- Prevent problems. Regular check-ups, clean housing, fresh water and a stable routine matter more than any quick fix.
A falcon hides illness until it can’t. Notice small changes early.
Where do I find an avian or falcon vet?
Not every small-animal clinic treats falcons, so find a specialist before you need one. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital describes itself as providing health care services exclusively for falcons, and says it receives around 11,200 falcons a year for examinations and treatment. Its site lists falcon medical services with a 24-hour emergency service, regular hours of Monday to Thursday 8:00 to 14:30 and Friday 8:00 to 12:00, a hotel for falcons and parrots, and a location on Al Sha-i’ Street in Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi. Its general number is +971 2 885 8100. Hours can change, so phone before you travel.
Mori’s local guide lists vets that say they treat falcons or birds, with their sources and the date we checked each one. Choose the Falcons filter to see them. For emergencies in general, our guide to finding a 24-hour emergency vet explains what to ask on the phone.
What should I do when I travel or board my falcon?
Falcons need careful handling when you are away. Some falcon hospitals offer a hotel for falcons, and you should ask how birds are housed, fed and exercised, what records they keep and what happens in an emergency. If a friend or family member looks after your bird, give them written instructions, your vet’s details and your bird’s weight log.
- Keep the passport, ring details and ownership papers together, and take copies.
- Tell your vet before long journeys, and ask about health checks.
- Plan for heat: the UAE summer affects birds too, so keep them cool and shaded, with fresh water.
- Never leave a bird in a parked car.
Falcons ask more of their owners than most pets do, and that is part of their appeal. With the right paperwork, a good vet and a steady routine, you can enjoy them with confidence.
Quick answers
What is a falcon passport in the UAE?
A CITES-compliant document introduced in 2002 that allows permit-free movement for a registered falcon. It includes falcon and owner details, requires a closed leg ring and is valid for three years, according to a 2026 UAE presentation.
Do I need to register my falcon in the UAE?
The UAE requires registration of captive-bred falcons with Ministry-issued closed rings, and offers services for ownership transfer and cancellation. Check with MOCCAE for the current process.
How long is a CITES permit valid in the UAE?
The UAE presentation lists import permits as valid for one year and export or re-export permits as valid for six months. Check the dates printed on your permit.
Is there a 24-hour vet for falcons in the UAE?
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital lists a 24-hour emergency service for falcons on its website. Phone ahead to confirm before you travel.
Sources
- UAE: Regulating falconry in the UAE, registration, permits and conservation (CMS Raptors MoU presentation, 2026)
- Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
- Gulf News: more than 28,000 passports issued to falcons since 2002
- Yarmouth Vet Center: raptor and falcon care sheet
Facts checked on 22 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm with the official source before you act. This is general guidance, not veterinary or legal advice. Read our editorial policy, or tell us about a mistake.