Abu Dhabi Outlines Four Requirements for Livestock Farm Tenants, Warning of Fines and Repossession
Ayush A Haq 
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has outlined requirements for tenants of livestock farms, known locally as Izab, according to news reports published. DMT warned that tenants who fail to comply may face fines or have their plots repossessed, and the reports indicate that plots may be reclaimed without advance notice. The stated aim is to protect land and natural resources and ensure plots are used as allocated.
The four requirements:
| Requirement | As reported |
| Start the approved activity | Tenants must prepare the farm and begin the approved activity within the period specified in the lease |
| Minimum livestock | Tenants must maintain the minimum number of livestock required for the size of the plot |
| Boundaries and dimensions | Tenants must comply with the dimensions and boundaries stated in the lease, including the assigned reference number |
| Cleanliness and waste | Tenants must keep the premises clean and dispose of waste only at designated sites |
Renewal, conduct and expiry:
DMT stressed that the minimum livestock requirement also applies when a tenant applies to renew a lease. Tenants remain responsible for managing and maintaining their enclosures.
Tenants are also expected to comply with Abu Dhabi’s laws, customs and traditions, respect the privacy of others, avoid causing disturbance, and maintain the cleanliness and general appearance of the site.
Where a lease expires or is not renewed, tenants must remove all structures, facilities, fences, equipment and waste. Gulf News reports that they must also restore the plot to its original condition, unless the municipality approves keeping any additions or structures.
Merging neighbouring enclosures
DMT clarified that municipalities may allow neighbouring enclosures rented by the same tenant to be merged, provided there are no planning restrictions. A single lease agreement would then cover the merged plots as one enclosure.
Enforcement
DMT warned that non-compliance may lead to fines or repossession of the plot. Two outlets report that the municipality may reclaim the plot without advance notice. No fine amounts or enforcement procedure have been reported.
Practical Takeaways
- Review the lease for the period within which the approved activity must begin, the livestock minimum, the boundaries and reference number, and the expiry and restoration terms.
- Keep records of livestock numbers and site compliance, particularly ahead of any renewal.
- Confirm that waste disposal uses the designated sites.
- Obtain municipality approval before merging adjacent enclosures, and check for planning restrictions.
- If a lease will not be renewed, plan for the removal of structures and restoration of the plot.
- Ask the relevant municipality to confirm the instrument and penalty schedule that apply to the lease.
Disclaimer: This article summarises the announcement as reported. We have not located DMT’s own release or the legal instrument on which the requirements are based, and the reports do not state any fine amounts.