UAE updates drugs law with tougher penalties and expanded rehabilitation units

The UAE has issued a new Federal Decree-Law amending specific provisions of the Federal Decree-Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, strengthening national enforcement, treatment capacity and regulatory oversight.

The amendments form part of the country’s efforts to enhance community protection, uphold justice and safeguard rights while ensuring that narcotics control measures reflect the highest regulatory, health and security standards.

The updated Federal Decree-Law aligns the legal framework with recent institutional and regulatory developments in both the medical products sector and in national narcotics control systems.

UAE drugs law

A key amendment replaces references to the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Minister of Health and Prevention with the Emirates Drug Establishment and its Chairperson, formally designating the entity as the competent authority responsible for regulating medical products in the UAE.

References to the Ministry of Interior are replaced with the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, reflecting its central role in leading nationwide efforts to combat narcotics-related crimes.

The amendments also expand health-sector capacity by allowing federal health authorities and private health facilities to establish specialised units for the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals addicted to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Detailed regulations for these units will be issued by the UAE Cabinet, and local authorities may create similar facilities within their jurisdictions to support a comprehensive national treatment system.

UAE narcotics penalties

The Federal Decree-Law introduces stricter penalties for dispensing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances without a valid prescription or in quantities exceeding approved limits.

Violator pharmacies face imprisonment for not less than five years and a fine of not less than AED50,000 ($13,612), with such violations treated as offences of facilitating narcotic drug use.

Penalties also increase for physicians who issue prescriptions for narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances without a licence, without medical justification or in violation of approved limits.

The penalty is imprisonment for not less than five years and a fine of not less than AED50,000 ($13,612), and the act is deemed an offence of facilitation, reinforcing strict national standards governing medical prescriptions.

Further updates apply to the possession and handling of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for scientific and medical purposes.

Licences may be granted to qualified entities including health facilities, chemical testing laboratories, research centres and facilities involved in medical product manufacturing, storage and distribution, subject to oversight by the competent authorities.

Certain parts of plants listed in the schedules attached to the law remain exempt from criminalisation under approved controls.

Federal Decree-Law

The Federal Decree-Law also mandates the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of narcotics offences after completing their sentences.

Courts must order deportation except in cases where the individual is the spouse or first-degree relative of a UAE citizen at the time of the offence, or where deportation would seriously harm family stability or deprive a family member of necessary care, provided the family has the financial ability to support treatment.

The Federal Decree-Law reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to a comprehensive national approach to combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, integrating strict deterrence with effective treatment and modern health and security practices.