Abu Dhabi has banned the use of poison, electricity, and projectiles to control invasive birds. Instead, the city allows humane methods like auditory and visual deterrents, as well as special spikes and nets to keep birds away, as long as they don’t spoil the city’s look.
This new rule comes from the UAE Capital’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), which released a guide for managing and dispersing invasive birds.
The guide provides safe and environmentally-friendly ways to control bird infestations in urban areas. It also warns against actions like littering, feeding birds, or keeping pigeon coops on rooftops, which encourage their spread.
The document emphasizes the importance of avoiding the creation of spaces where birds can nest, especially for species like the Rock Dove, Common Myna, Rose-ringed Parakeet, House Crow, Bank Myna, and Alexandrine Parakeet. These non-native birds harm the local ecosystem.
Fahad Al Shehhi, Director of Public Appearance at DMT, said the new rules aim to reduce the negative impact of these invasive birds. He also urged residents to follow the guidelines and report any bird issues. Property owners and managers must comply if complaints are made by tenants or neighbors. Reports can be submitted through the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre or the Tamm portal.
