The UAE has announced amendments to its federal law on combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, introducing harsher penalties, strengthened regulatory oversight, and mandatory deportation for foreign nationals convicted of drug-related crimes.
The updated decree-law reinforces the country’s commitment to public safety, justice, and national health standards by tightening controls on the prescription, dispensing, and handling of narcotic substances.
Under the new amendments, courts are required to deport any foreign national found guilty of narcotics offences once they have completed their sentence.
However, the law allows two exceptions:
If the offender is the spouse or first-degree relative of a UAE citizen at the time of the crime.
If deportation would cause severe harm to the stability or care needs of a family legally residing in the UAE, provided the family can financially support treatment.
The decree-law imposes stricter punishments for those who dispense narcotic drugs without proper authorization or medical justification.
Minimum imprisonment: 5 years
Minimum fine: AED 50,000
These violations are categorized as acts of facilitating drug use. Physicians who issue narcotic prescriptions without a licence, without valid medical need, or beyond approved limits face the same penalty levels.
The amendments also restructure oversight of medical products and narcotics control:
References to the former roles of the Ministry of Health and Prevention are replaced with the Emirates Drug Establishment, which becomes the central authority overseeing medical product regulation. Responsibilities previously held by the Ministry of Interior in narcotics matters are transferred to the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, acknowledging its leadership in national anti-drug efforts.
To strengthen support for addiction recovery, the law permits federal health authorities and private medical facilities to establish specialized rehabilitation units for individuals suffering from addiction to narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.
The UAE Cabinet will issue detailed regulations governing these facilities, while local authorities may set up their own units within their jurisdictions.
The amendments refine the licensing framework for scientific and medical handling of controlled substances. Qualified entities—such as hospitals, research centers, chemical testing labs, and pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution facilities—may obtain licences under the supervision of the designated authorities.
Certain plant parts listed in the law’s schedules remain exempt from criminalization under regulated conditions.
With these reforms, the UAE reinforces its zero-tolerance approach to drug misuse while expanding pathways for regulated medical use and rehabilitation. The revised law aims to balance strict enforcement with health-focused support systems, aligning with the UAE’s broader strategy to protect communities, modernize regulatory structures, and uphold the highest security and medical standards.
