As with the vast majority of countries around the world, including the UK, drugs are illegal in Dubai.  Along with the international community, Dubai has a very clear policy regarding drug trafficking, smuggling and possession and this is one of the reasons why the emirate has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

As one of the world’s leading destinations we pride ourselves on an unrivalled reputation and issue very clear guidelines to ensure the safety of our visitors and residents.

It is for this reason that for some UK medicines, including various over the counter medicines such as Codeine, it is necessary to carry an accompanying doctor’s note or prescription to authenticate its use. It is also advised to take the medicines in their original packaging and an appropriate quantity for the length of stay.

Dubai remains one of the world’s most successful destinations and its popularity continues to grow with international visitor figures set to increase in the period 2006-2010 from 6.4 million to 15 million.

For a full list of restricted and controlled medicines in Dubai visit the following Government of the United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Health website:
http://www.moh.gov.ae/admincp/assetsmanager/Files/Pharmacusts/
Controlled_Medicine_2006.pdf