The Cinereous Bunting (Emberiza cineracea) is a scarce but regular migrant in the United Arab Emirates, most often recorded in spring, especially in April, when it appears at migrant hotspots such as Jebel Hafeet and occasionally in irrigated parks and gardens. It is a slim, elegant bunting with a rather plain ashy-grey head and underparts, warm brown upperparts, and a fairly long tail with white outer edges. In the UAE, it is usually encountered singly or in very small numbers, feeding quietly on the ground or perching briefly in open, dry country with scattered shrubs or trees. Although easy to overlook, it is a rewarding species for birders because it is both scarce and annual in the country. Globally, the species is listed as Near Threatened, adding further value to any record from the Emirates.