Medication and Drug Policies in Dubai: What Travelers and Residents Need to Know

Whether you are visiting Dubai for a short stay, vacationing, or relocating, it is essential to understand the emirate’s strict drug policies to avoid inadvertently breaking the law¹. Not all medications that are legal in other countries are permitted in the UAE, and penalties for violations can be severe. Travelers and residents should always verify that their prescription and over-the-counter medications are allowed in the UAE. The country maintains a zero-tolerance anti-drugs policy and conducts thorough searches at airports¹.

If you need to bring controlled medication—drugs regulated by the government—into Dubai, you must apply for approval through the Ministry of Health². Your doctor can advise whether your prescription medication is considered controlled. With approval, visitors may bring up to a three-month supply, while residents may bring up to a twelve-month supply. All medications should be kept in their original packaging, accompanied by a valid prescription².

Common Medications

• Paracetamol: Generally permitted, as it is not classified as a controlled drug in the UAE. However, travelers should always confirm with their doctor before traveling².
• Codeine: Classified as a controlled drug. Permission is required to bring medications containing codeine, such as co-codamol, into the country².
• Ibuprofen: Not considered a controlled drug and is widely available over the counter in Dubai².
• Imodium (loperamide hydrochloride): Not on the controlled drugs list and typically permitted, but travelers should confirm with their doctor if unsure².
• Viagra (sildenafil citrate): Not classified as a controlled drug and generally permitted, but it is advisable to check with a healthcare provider².

Access to Medication

Uncontrolled medications that do not require a prescription can be purchased at pharmacies or supermarkets in Dubai. Some drugs available over the counter in the UAE may require a prescription elsewhere, and vice versa. If you require a controlled medication, you may need a new prescription from a locally registered doctor, as pharmacists cannot accept foreign prescriptions².

Banned Medicines

The Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE maintains a comprehensive list of controlled narcotics, psychotropics, and other regulated drugs². Travelers and residents should consult this list before bringing any medication into the country. The list is updated regularly and includes all prohibited or controlled substances².

For further information, consult the official resources provided by the Ministry of Health and Prevention³ and Emirates airline¹.

1. Emirates. 2025. "Dangerous Goods Policy." Emirates. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/before-you-fly/travel/dangerous-goods-policy/
2. MOHAP. 2019. "List of Controlled Narcotics/Psychotropics and Controlled Drugs." Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://mohap.gov.ae/documents/20117/454960/b1d71057-d2a8-41c9-9a8b-1d9bfaa2ec2a.pdf/3b8684d5-f415-dc20-e0ea-33e471197fc7?t=1737648063457
3. MOHAP. 2025. "Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use." Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://mohap.gov.ae/en/services/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use