The UAE has enacted a new federal law, Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025, effective from early 2026, to combat illegal trade in endangered plants and animals. Replacing legislation from over two decades ago, the law introduces stricter regulations, hefty fines up to AED 2 million, and jail terms for violations. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment aims to create a hostile environment for traffickers while simplifying compliance for legal traders, aligning with global standards like CITES.