Authorities captured a lion roaming near Al Barsha, Dubai, shortly after 7pm on Thursday, according to media reports.
Emarat Al Youm daily newspaper reported that the lion had escaped from its owner's home, and was wandering in the neighbourhood.
A source told Gulf News that expert animal handlers from Dubai Municipality helped intervene in the capture.
When contacted by Gulf News, Dr Reza Khan, wildlife specialist with Dubai Municipality, confirmed that the lion was sent to Dubai Zoo at around 11am on Friday where it will be cared for by veterinarians.
Keeping endangered or threatened wildlife is illegal under UAE federal law.
The latest incident follows a spate of sightings of exotic big cats in recent years across Dubai.
In some cases, domesticated big cats have been seen with their owners in cars in the Jumeirah area of Dubai.
Dubai Customs has been working hard in the last several years to stem the import of wild animals from Africa into Dubai for use as exotic pets.
