Banned Dog Breeds in UAE 2026: Full List and Rules
UAE banned and restricted dog breeds include Pit Bull, Mastiff, Tosa, and 10+ others. Here is the 2026 enforcement reality.
Quick answer
In the UAE, 17 dog breeds are banned and 5 are restricted as of 2026. Banned breeds cannot be imported, registered, or kept in any emirate. Restricted breeds require special permits from the local municipality, microchipping, and annual renewal. Violators face fines up to AED 50,000 and possible dog removal. Check your emirate’s municipality portal before bringing any dog into the country.
Full list of banned dog breeds in the UAE 2026
The UAE Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2023 remains in force through 2026. The decision lists 17 breeds that are completely banned across all seven emirates. These dogs cannot be imported, owned, or even pass through the country.
Banned breeds
- Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Bully
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Tosa Inu
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Argentine Dogo
- Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro)
- Presa Canario
- Bullmastiff
- Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Cane Corso
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinscher
- Macau Mastiff
- Boerboel
Restricted dog breeds and permit requirements
Five breeds remain restricted rather than banned. Owners must obtain a permit from the emirate’s municipality animal welfare section. Permits are issued only after inspection, microchipping, and proof of liability insurance.
Restricted breeds
- German Shepherd
- Belgian Malinois
- Dog de Bordeaux
- English Mastiff
- Mastiff
How to apply for a restricted-breed permit in 2026
Apply online through the municipality portal of your emirate. Dubai uses Dubai Municipality app, while Abu Dhabi uses Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) portal. Required documents include:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Property lease or title deed proving suitable housing
- Proof of liability insurance (minimum AED 500,000 coverage)
- Proof of microchip and rabies vaccination
- Behaviour assessment report from approved vet
Processing takes 7–14 working days. Permits must be renewed annually before 31 December. Renewal fee is AED 1,200 in Dubai and AED 1,050 in Abu Dhabi.
Penalties for keeping banned or unpermitted dogs
Authorities enforce the rules through random checks at airports, residential compounds, and during routine municipal inspections. Penalties include:
Fines:
- AED 10,000–50,000 per banned dog
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