Drug Laws in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Read this before you land in Dubai

If you are planning a move to Dubai or even a short exploratory trip, it is essential to understand how strictly the UAE treats drug offences. The law is zero tolerance. Trace amounts, residue on clothing, or unapproved controlled medicines can trigger arrest. With new 2025 rules mandating deportation for non-citizens after conviction, one error can cost your residence, job, and future in the Gulf. This brief guide gives you the facts and practical steps to stay safe and compliant.

The rules in plain English

Dubai follows federal UAE law that criminalises possession, use, import, and trafficking of narcotic or psychotropic substances, even in very small quantities. Airport checks, including random screenings and sniffer dogs, apply to tourists, transit passengers, and residents alike. If a case is opened, you can be flagged and prevented from leaving until it is resolved.

In 2025, minimum penalties were raised and courts must now deport non-citizens convicted of drug offences. Many offences carry at least five years in prison and fines of no less than AED 50,000, followed by deportation. Judges have very narrow room to waive deportation only in exceptional family-hardship cases, typically involving a spouse or first-degree relative of a UAE citizen with clear evidence that family stability would be seriously harmed.

Possessing or using controlled medicines without a valid prescription is treated as a criminal offence. You should carry original prescriptions, a doctor’s letter, and verify that any medication containing controlled ingredients is permitted before travel. Pharmacies cannot dispense and doctors cannot prescribe controlled drugs outside strict medical justifications and limits. Penalties for misuse by healthcare providers mirror the tougher minimums.

Authorities also target online activity. Thousands of drug-related websites have been blocked, and digital evidence such as messages and payments can lead to prosecution. Oversight is now more centralised through specialised bodies, including the Emirates Drug Establishment for medical regulation and the National Anti-Narcotics Authority for enforcement.

Zero tolerance means trace amounts can lead to arrest and, for non-citizens, deportation after conviction.

Penalties at a glance

How ARK can help you relocate safely

At ARK, we guide you through UAE compliance from day one. We help you select the right immigration pathway, prepare visa files correctly, and pre-check your medications against UAE controlled lists. We brief you and your family on everyday compliance, including airport procedures, digital conduct, and workplace policies. For employers, we align handbooks and assignment letters with local rules, reducing corporate risk. Our practical support helps you settle confidently while protecting your long-term plans in Dubai.

Your next steps

1. Book a relocation consultation with ARK to map your visa and timeline.
2. List all medications you or family members take and share them with our team for a compliance check.
3. Secure original prescriptions and a physician letter; bring medicines in original packaging.
4. Review your company’s UAE drug policy, testing procedures, and travel rules.
5. Plan your arrival with no risky items in luggage, clothing, or devices.
6. Set up Emirates ID, health insurance, and compliant storage for medicines.
7. Save key emergency numbers and ARK’s contact details before you fly.

Practical details that keep you on track

Expect strong enforcement at airports and across the city. Being in transit does not protect you, and proceedings can delay departures if a case is opened. If you are on a residence visa, your Emirates ID can be flagged while investigations continue. Employers increasingly use pre-employment and random testing, especially in free zones, and insurers are revising coverage to reflect longer minimum sentences and mandatory deportation. Families concerned about dependency can pursue treatment through approved facilities, with courts considering medical and social evaluations near the end of sentences. While narrow humanitarian exceptions to deportation exist, they are rare and require clear evidence and financial capacity for care. The safest path is full compliance from the start.

Moving to Dubai should be exciting - stay informed, travel prepared, and keep your future secure.