Is CBD legal in the United Arab Emirates?
David ReichUpdated:The essentials at a glance:
CBD is illegal in the United Arab Emirates, regardless of its THC content. This is based on federal laws enacted in 1995 and 2016. There is no tolerated threshold value. Possession, purchase, sale or consumption can lead to a minimum of four years’ imprisonment and substantial fines. Travelling with CBD is strongly discouraged. Customs authorities routinely confiscate such products and may initiate legal proceedings. Products affected include CBD oils and tinctures, capsules, edibles, e-liquids and skincare items.
Which products contain CBD?
Before looking at CBD law in the United Arab Emirates, it helps to know which products typically contain CBD and could therefore cause legal issues.
- CBD oils and tinctures: Liquid extracts usually taken under the tongue for faster absorption.
- CBD capsules and tablets: Measured doses of CBD in capsule or tablet form, similar to food supplements.
- CBD edibles: Foods and drinks that contain CBD, such as gummies, chocolate and beverages.
- CBD vape products: E-liquids, cartridges and vape pens used to inhale vapour containing CBD.
- CBD skincare products: Creams, balms, lotions and ointments with CBD for application on the skin.
Any product containing CBD – including oils, capsules, edibles, vapes and cosmetics – is relevant when checking CBD legality in the United Arab Emirates.
Is CBD legal in the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. This strict approach also applies to cannabidiol (CBD), even though CBD itself is non-intoxicating and does not cause a “high”.
CBD law in the UAE
Unlike many countries where CBD is legal under specific conditions, CBD is treated as an illegal drug in the UAE. Under Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 on combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as amended by Federal Law No. 8 of 2016, all cannabinoids are prohibited. This includes CBD, regardless of:
- the THC content of the product
- whether the CBD is from hemp or other cannabis varieties
- whether the product is marketed as a supplement, cosmetic or medicine.
In other words, CBD products that might be legal or tolerated in other countries are considered illegal in the UAE.
CBD is illegal in the United Arab Emirates under national drug laws, and this applies to all forms of CBD, regardless of THC content or product type.
Penalties for possession and use of CBD
Penalties for CBD-related offences in the UAE are severe. Under the relevant legislation, the following conduct can lead to criminal charges:
- possession of CBD
- purchase or sale of CBD products
- use or consumption of CBD in any form.
Penalties can include:
- a minimum prison sentence of four years for certain offences
- the possibility of harsher penalties in serious cases, at the discretion of the court
- substantial fines in addition to imprisonment.
These penalties can apply even where the CBD product was legally obtained in another country.
Can you bring CBD to the UAE?
Bringing CBD into the UAE is considered extremely risky under current law and practice. Even small amounts of CBD, including products that are openly sold in other countries, may be treated as illegal drugs upon arrival in the UAE.
CBD travel rules for the UAE
When travelling to or through the UAE, CBD products can create serious legal problems. This includes CBD in:
- oils and tinctures
- capsules and tablets
- edibles such as gummies or drinks
- vape liquids and pens
- cosmetics and skincare products containing CBD.
Customs officers in the UAE enforce strict rules on imported substances. Travellers found with CBD products may be:
- detained at the border
- arrested and prosecuted
- subject to criminal penalties under UAE drug laws.
This applies even if:
- CBD is legal in the traveller’s home country
- the product was purchased with a prescription elsewhere
- the CBD product contains little or no THC.
Travellers should not bring any CBD products into the UAE, as customs authorities may treat them as illegal drugs and enforce severe criminal penalties.
The legal situation in neighbouring countries
Conclusion: Is CBD legal in the UAE?
The legislation on CBD in the United Arab Emirates is unambiguous. CBD is illegal, and the possession, sale, purchase or consumption of CBD products can lead to serious criminal consequences, including imprisonment and fines.
Because of this, it is strongly advised not to bring CBD into the UAE and not to try to obtain or use CBD products while in the country.