Whether a person is heading on vacation or is already looking to buy a penthouse in the UAE to move to a country of law, security and luxury living soon, it is important to understand the emirate’s strict drug policy so as not to accidentally get into trouble with the law.
Not all medicines that are legal in other parts of the world are legal in the UAE. If the law is not written for residents of the Russian Federation and ignoring the rules, morality and criminal code is a classic, the emirates will have to reconsider their views, since the penalties for violating these rules can be severe. It is important to check which medicines cannot be brought into the United Arab Emirates so that prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines are legal. The locals claim to have “a very strict anti-drug policy with zero tolerance, conducting thorough searches at airports”.
When importing legal drugs that are regulated by the government, it is important to apply for approval through the Ministry of Health (MOH). Having previously made sure which medicines can be taken to the emirates and under what conditions. If permission has been issued to bring prescription drugs into the country, you can bring them and keep them with you for up to three months as visitors and 12 months as residents. Drugs should be stored in their original packaging along with the prescription, as customs officers pay special attention to this.
So, what medicines can you take with you to the Emirates without risks?
- Paracetamol is not on the list of controlled drugs of the Ministry of Health, so you can take it to Dubai.
- Codeine is a controlled drug in the UAE, so you will need permission to bring co-codamol into the country. Alternatively, Russian tourists can stay at home and take drugs without restrictions.
- Ibuprofen is not on the Ministry of Health’s list of controlled drugs and may be used by travelers.
- Imodium is a popular medicine in the CIS. It is not on the list of controlled drugs of the Ministry of Health, so it is possible to take it to Dubai. However, if a person is unsure, it is important to see a doctor.
- Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate. This drug is not on the list of controlled drugs of the Ministry of Health, so you can take it to Dubai.
Access to medicines in Dubai
The online resource of the Ministry of Health is as easy to use as UAE real estate websites, delivery services and ordering goods. It says what medicines you can not take with you to the emirates and what fines are provided. Uncontrolled medicines that do not require a prescription can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets in Dubai. If the required medicine is controlled in the emirate, it may be necessary to get a new prescription from a local doctor as pharmacists cannot accept foreign prescriptions.
