Can you take a cat to the UAE without being in possession of a long-term visa?

Hello Ineke

While the UAE allows two pets per person to enter the country, this are strict rules regulating the importation of pets into Abu Dhabi.

Authorities in the UAE are becoming more welcoming of pets, but many rental properties do not allow animals of any sort. So one of your first tasks would be finding a place to stay that accepts cats. Pets are also banned from public spaces, so your cat would have to be kept indoors.

Considering the short-term nature of your time in Al Ain, it might be worth considering kennelling your cat until you have a more permanent home. But as a pet owner myself, I understand how hard that is, so perhaps consult with a specialised pet relocation service to find the best solution for you and your beloved pet.

For more information, read our article on Moving Pets to the UAE. 

Good luck with your research - and let us know what you find out.