The UAE has strict restrictions on banned narcotic drugs and controlled substances, so it is essential to ensure that any medications you are taking to the UAE are not prohibited in Dubai. The Drugs Act No. 4 of 1983 and the Narcotics Act No. 14 of 1995 caution people to bring unauthorized drugs into the UAE, which may be readily available in your country of origin. This is because controlled drugs can only be imported into the UAE through hospitals and large community pharmacies.
List of BannedMedicines in UAE
- Cathinone: Prohibited
- Amphetamine: Psychotropic
- Pentobarbital: Psychotropic
- Cod oxime: Narcotic
- The concentration of poppy straw: Prohibited
- Fentanyl: Narcotic
- Methadone: Narcotic
- Morphine: Narcotic
- Alpha-methyl fentanyl: Prohibited
- Betamethodol: Narcotic
- Cannabis: Prohibited
- Codeine: Narcotic
- Opium: Narcotic
- Risperidone: Controlled Drug A
- Tramadol: Controlled Drug A
- Phenoperidine: Narcotic
- Trimeperidine: Narcotic
- Ketamine: Psychotropic
- Oxycodone: Narcotic
- Bromazepam: Psychotropic
Banned Medicine Carrying Passengers
Passengers traveling to the UAE are advised to check the detailed list of prohibited drugs and drug schedules before going and seek permission from the Registration and Drug Control Department of the Ministry of Commerce to carry these drugs. The notice also states that any personal medicine will be inspected by the Ministry’s inspectors and the customs department of the UAE port of entry. In the case of controlled drugs for personal use, both passengers traveling to the UAE and passengers transiting through the country must carry a valid medical prescription from the country of origin. If no original order is available, passengers are advised to bring a proven prescription. For those who stop traveling in the UAE, they need to obtain additional certifications or permits from the relevant health authorities. In the case of a controlled drug for personal use, the drug must not be used for more than 30 days. There are specific guidelines for conventional medications that are not on the control list. These are called prescription-only medicines (POM), must be carried with a valid medical prescription, and can only be used for personal consumption. The number of drugs allowed in this category must not exceed three months of treatment.
Other drugs that passengers are prohibited from carrying include unregistered or banned drugs, herbal medicines, drugs that were previously approved and registered but later deregistered, and drugs that are not authorized for distribution in the UAE. For a detailed list of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and controlled substances, please log on to www.moh.gov.ae or call 026117505 to contact the Narcotic Drugs and Mental Control Department of the Registration and Control Department of the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
The United Arab Emirates is a signatory to several international conventions on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. These conventions involve the use of internationally effective control measures to ensure that laymen do not have free access to narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances. These conventions are designed to:
- Make psychotropic and narcotic substances available only for medical and scientific purposes
Eliminate drug trafficking and abuse.
- Prevent its transfer to illegal
- places.
Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 it describes how these conventions apply in the United Arab Emirates.
Controlled drugs are drugs that, if used irresponsibly, can cause addiction and may be abused by individuals. Narcotic and psychotropic substances (Controlled Drugs-A or CDa) are controlled. According to modern medical practice, control drugs are administered to patients with acute and chronic diseases. They are mainly applied to inpatients. Controlled Substance-B (CDB) is a semi-controlled substance. Most pharmacies and hospitals in the UAE can buy most medicines used worldwide.
However, in the United Arab Emirates, neither category A nor B narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or other controlled substances/drugs can be obtained for free, nor can they be imported into the country for free. They belong to the category of controlled/restricted projects. You can bring in other regular amounts of personal prescription medicines. To import certain medications, you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Health and Prevention.