Capital

Abu Dhabi

Official Language

Arabic

Fun Fact

The UAE does not have a single permanent, naturally occurring river

National Animal

Arabian Oryx

National Bird

Saker Falcon

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Animal Laws of United Arab Emirates

The Animal Laws of United Arab Emirates PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for United Arab Emirates. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of United Arab Emirates

Saker Falcon

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Saker Falcon is a large, powerful bird of prey found in the grasslands, deserts, and open plains of Europe and Central Asia. Recognized by its broad wings, strong hooked bill, and swift, agile flight, it hunts birds and small mammals in open habitats. Saker Falcons have been prized in falconry for centuries because of their speed and hunting ability. Habitat loss, illegal trapping, and collisions with power lines have contributed to population declines, making the species endangered in many parts of its range.

Arabian Oryx

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Arabian Oryx is a striking desert antelope native to the Arabian Peninsula. Recognized by its bright white coat, black facial markings, and long, straight horns, it is superbly adapted to life in harsh desert environments. Arabian Oryxes feed on grasses, herbs, and shrubs, obtaining much of the moisture they need from the plants they eat. Once extinct in the wild, successful conservation and reintroduction programs have restored wild populations, making the Arabian Oryx one of the world's greatest conservation success stories.

Caracal

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Caracal is a medium-sized wild cat found in savannas, grasslands, deserts, and woodlands across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It is recognized by its sleek reddish-brown coat and distinctive black ear tufts. A powerful and agile predator, the Caracal can leap several feet into the air to catch birds in flight and also hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its remarkable speed, strength, and adaptability have allowed it to thrive in a wide variety of habitats.

Arabian Tahr

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Arabian Tahr is a rare wild goat found only in the rugged mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Recognized by its reddish-brown coat, sturdy build, and short backward-curving horns, it is an agile climber well adapted to steep rocky cliffs. Arabian Tahrs feed on grasses, shrubs, leaves, and other mountain vegetation. Habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock have made this unique species endangered.

Socotra Cormorant

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Socotra Cormorant is a coastal seabird found in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and nearby seas. Recognized by its glossy black plumage and striking turquoise eyes during the breeding season, it feeds mainly on fish caught by diving underwater. Socotra Cormorants nest in large colonies on remote islands and sandbars, where they are highly sensitive to human disturbance. Habitat loss, coastal development, and declining fish stocks have made this species vulnerable.

Persian Horned Viper

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Persian Horned Viper is a venomous snake found in the deserts and rocky landscapes of the Middle East. It is recognized by the distinctive horn-like scales above its eyes, which help distinguish it from other vipers. Feeding on rodents, lizards, and birds, it is an ambush predator that relies on excellent camouflage to blend into sand and rocks while waiting for prey. Its specialized adaptations make it well suited to life in harsh desert environments.