Moving to the Middle East with Pets: UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia Pet Import Rules

The Gulf states are home to large expat communities, and thousands of pets relocate to the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia each year. The rules are manageable – but they differ between the three countries, and the documentation requirements are strict.

Here is what expats moving to the region need to know.

United Arab Emirates

Governing authority: UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)

The UAE is one of the more pet-friendly Gulf states. It has a formal import process, a published list of approved ports of entry, and clear documentation requirements.

What your pet needs to enter the UAE:

• ISO 11784/11785 microchip (implanted before vaccination dates to count)
• Current rabies vaccination (given after microchipping; valid, not expired)
• Veterinary health certificate issued within 14 days of travel, signed by an accredited vet
• Import permit from MOCCAE (applied for in advance – allow 2-4 weeks)
• In some cases, a rabies titre test may be required depending on the country of origin

Breed restrictions: The UAE maintains a restricted breeds list. Breeds associated with guarding and fighting purposes face restrictions or outright bans. The list includes certain Pit Bull and American Bully types, Tosa, Fila Brasileiro, and others. Rottweilers may also face restrictions in residential buildings under local authority rules even if they can legally enter the country. Check with MOCCAE for the current list.

On arrival: Pets are inspected by MOCCAE inspectors at the cargo terminal or arrival hall. The import permit must accompany the pet. Missing documents can result in the pet being held or returned.

Qatar

Governing authority: Ministry of Municipality (Agricultural Affairs Sector)

Qatar has a straightforward process for most nationalities. The import permit requirement applies, and breed restrictions exist.

What your pet needs to enter Qatar:

• ISO-standard microchip
• Rabies vaccination (must be current and correctly dated relative to the microchip)
• Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the competent authority in the country of origin
• Import permit from Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality

Breed restrictions: Qatar restricts several breeds. Dogs considered aggressive or historically bred for combat are on the restricted list. Confirm the current list with the Ministry before travel.

On arrival: Qatar does not operate a mandatory quarantine holding facility for pets in the same way as Australia or New Zealand. Pets are inspected at the port of entry. Provided documentation is complete, pets are typically released to the owner. Any deficiency in paperwork may result in temporary detention at the airport facility, with fees charged.

Temperature note: Qatar’s summer heat is extreme. Most airlines enforce live animal embargoes through Doha during the peak summer months (roughly May to September). Plan your pet’s travel outside these months if possible, or ask your IPATA agent about alternative routing.

Saudi Arabia

Governing authority: Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)

Saudi Arabia’s import process has become more formalised in recent years. Documentation requirements are strict, and the health certificate must be issued by an officially recognised authority in the country of origin.

What your pet needs to enter Saudi Arabia:

• ISO-standard microchip
• Current rabies vaccination
• Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the competent government authority
• Import approval from MEWA (obtained in advance)

Breed restrictions: Saudi Arabia restricts several breeds. The restricted list overlaps with the UAE and Qatar lists but is maintained separately. Confirm directly with MEWA.

Important: Saudi Arabia has historically had more restrictive cultural attitudes toward keeping dogs in public spaces, though this is changing. Dogs are increasingly common among expat and Saudi households in major cities. Confirm local residential restrictions (building management, compounds) before you commit to relocating a large dog.

Practical Tips for Gulf Relocations

Start early. Import permits take time – anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the country and your country of origin. Apply before you book the airline ticket.

Use an IPATA agent. The documentation coordination across the country of origin government, the airline cargo desk, and the destination ministry is complex. A specialist agent who knows the Gulf routes will avoid the common mistakes that cause pets to be held at the border.

Avoid summer transits. July and August are the highest-risk months for heat embargoes and flight delays in the Gulf. If you are relocating mid-year, plan the pet’s travel for early morning flights and route carefully.

Check the breed list twice. Breed restriction lists in the Gulf region are updated more frequently than in Western countries. What was acceptable last year may now be restricted. Always confirm with the destination ministry, not just general internet searches.

Have a contingency plan. Even with perfect paperwork, border inspection can cause delays. Know the name and number of a local vet or boarding facility at the destination airport before you travel.