Is Cannabis / THC legal in United Arab Emirates?

Legal status

Prohibited — Table No. 1 narcotic; cannabis and cannabis extracts (Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021)

Consequences if caught

Cannabis and cannabis extracts are listed in Table No. 1 (134 narcotic substances). Import, export, transport, possession, and acquisition are criminalised except for controlled medical/scientific use (Arts. 10–11). Cannabis personal use/possession is handled under Art. 42: a minimum of 3 months' imprisonment or a AED 20,000–100,000 fine, escalating on repeat offences. Trafficking or possession with intent to traffic/promote (Art. 58): the death penalty or life imprisonment; where the weight exceeds 1,000 g, life imprisonment plus a fine of at least AED 200,000. (Executions for drug offences are reportedly rare in practice; courts more commonly impose life imprisonment.) Foreign nationals convicted are subject to deportation (Art. 75).

If prescribed or medical

CBD and hemp products are also prohibited regardless of a foreign prescription (UAE govt portal); cannabis is permitted only under controlled medical/scientific authorisation (Arts. 10–11). Obtain a MOHAP import permit in advance.

Documentation

No recreational/personal import. Only controlled medical/scientific authorisation under Arts. 10–11 via a MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks ahead) with prescription, attested medical report, and original packaging; declare at customs.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with United Arab Emirates’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.