Is Fentanyl legal in United Arab Emirates?

Legal status

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

Consequences if caught

Listed among the 134 narcotic substances in Table No. 1. Import, export, transport, possession, and acquisition are criminalised except for controlled medical/scientific use (Arts. 10–11). Personal use/possession (Art. 41): a minimum of 3 months' imprisonment or a AED 20,000–100,000 fine, escalating on repeat offences (6 months, then 2 years). Trafficking or possession with intent to traffic/promote (Art. 58 / Schedule 10, by weight): 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

Permitted only under controlled medical/scientific authorisation (Arts. 10–11); a foreign prescription alone is not an exemption. Obtain a MOHAP import permit in advance.

Documentation

MOHAP import permit (apply ~2 weeks before travel) + the prescription + an attested medical report + original packaging; declare at customs. Without a permit but with a prescription and medical report you must still declare at customs — officers may allow entry or confiscate the medicine and detain you.

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.