The most relevant threats within UAE are changes in coastal land-use and the possibility of oil pollution, but the severity of these threats towards this species is unknown.

Its crepuscular/nocturnal habits mean it is likely not greatly threatened by human activity (Symes et al. 2015). However, given the suspected population declines there must be an unknown threat having an impact on the UAE population, unless the population has moved out of the country. Potential threats include development of montane areas, reduced water availability in some areas with fewer small ponds in montane areas, and the presence of feral dogs (e.g. at Jebel Hafeet).

In UAE this species is under threat from anthropogenic disturbance and loss of habitat due to land-use changes (Aspinall 1996, Symes et al. 2015). Feral dogs may also be a potential threat.

The main threat to this species within UAE is likely to be from land-use changes. Globally the use of pesticides has been noted as a possible threat too, although this is unlikely to impact individuals in the UAE. The species is also susceptible to avian influenza (Melville and Shortridge 2006, Gaidet;et al.;2007) and avian botulism, so may be threatened by future outbreaks of these diseases (Galvin;et al.;1985).

Historically, this species appears to have been impacted by agricultural development and urbanisation within parts of its breeding range (del Hoyo et al. 1999). The degree to which this has affected the species over recent times is uncertain, but it is possible that habitat loss could be having an effect on the species within UAE.

This species may face persecution to discourage nesting near human habitation (Aspinall 1996), while collisions with vehicles and powerlines can lead to the death of individuals (Aspinall 1996). There is also a risk that individuals may be taken from nest sites for trade (Symes et al. 2015) or because people accidentally think chicks have been abandonned. Nests may also be disturbed by photographers, and undisturbed nest site availability may be declining in certain areas.

Within UAE, Aspinall (1996) highlighted the main potential threats to this species as the loss of nesting sites (either due to tree felling or the demolition of ruins), collisions with vehicles, and persecution as the bird may be considered an ill-omen.

The species can suffer from human disturbance, particularly in colonies near human habitation (e.g. BirdLife International 2015). As for other bee-eater species within the UAE, the greatest threats to the species within UAE are likely to be development on wilderness land, and the potential for reductions in insect populations (Aspinall 1996, Fry and Boesman 2014, BirdLife International 2015). The potential for declines in invertebrate populations as a result of agricultural intensification and future declines in water availability requires further research.

Aspinall (1996) lists a range of potential threats to this species in UAE. The species is potentially incidentally caught in fishing nets (Aspinall 1996). Threats to the species's environment are also important, with loss of its mangrove habitat due to disease, pollution and clearance (e.g. for land reclamation) being particularly threatening, as well as the species being impacted by other human activities, e.g. recreation leading to species disturbance and capture for trade (see Aspinall 1996).

The most relevant threats within UAE are changes in coastal land-use and the possibility of oil pollution, but the severity of these threats towards this species is unknown.Globally, however, the species faces a very wide range of threats, which could impact upon individuals that visit UAE:It is thought that the primary factors that have led to the global decline in this species are most likely to be a combination of: (i) loss of breeding habitat in eastern Europe, and (ii) changes in water chemistry (especially from hyper-eutrophication caused by agricultural runoff). The loss of habitat is thought to primarily result from changes in land management; either the abandonment or intensification of management of lowland marshes and fish ponds (Fox et al. 2016). The abandonment of traditional lowland grazing marshes results in succession to scrub and other unsuitable habitats, whilst greater agricultural intensification leads to marshes being drained. Negative changes to fish pond management also arise from either a reduction in fish production or an intensification that leads to greater use of fish food and medication treatments, and an increase in nutrient inputs. (Fox et al. 2016).Increased predation levels may be partly related to declines in Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus colonies, with which Pochard often associate for the benefits of predator deterrence (Fox et al. 2016). Invasive carp may also provide competition for resources with this species (see Fox et al. 2016).The species may also be threatened by disturbance from hunting (del Hoyo;et al.;1992, Evans and Day 2002, Kear 2005), water-based recreation (Fox;et al.;1994, Kear 2005) and from machinery noise from urban development (Marsden 2000), as well as by habitat destruction (del Hoyo;et al.;1992) on its wintering grounds due to eutrophication (partially as a result of nutrient run-off from agricultural land) (Kear 2005, L. Raudonikis;in litt. 2015). Adults are poisoned by ingesting lead shot (Mateo et al. 1998) and drowned in freshwater fishing nets with mesh sizes greater than 5 cm (Quan et al. 2002). The species is also susceptible to avian influenza, so may be threatened by future outbreaks of the disease (Melville and Shortridge 2006). It is also hunted in numerous countries across its range (e.g. Mateo;et al. 1998, Evans and Day 2002, Balmaki and Barati 2006, Sorrenti;et al.;2006, H. Ibrahim in litt. 2016).