Can Tourists Carry Hemp Products to Dubai?

Understanding UAE Cannabis Laws

Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year. However, travelers should be aware that the United Arab Emirates has very strict laws regarding cannabis and related substances.

Many visitors ask whether they can bring hemp products or CBD items into the country. Understanding the legal framework is important before traveling with any products derived from the cannabis plant.

When discussing whether tourists can carry hemp products to Dubai, it is important to understand UAE regulations. The answer to “can tourists carry hemp products to Dubai” depends largely on the type of product and the laws governing hemp and cannabis substances in the country.

Recreational Cannabis Products Are Illegal

The UAE has strict narcotics laws that prohibit recreational cannabis products.

Tourists cannot bring the following items into Dubai:

• Cannabis flower or marijuana
• THC oils or THC tinctures
• THC gummies or edible cannabis products
• THC vape cartridges
• Cannabis beverages
• Any product containing significant levels of THC

Possession, transport, or import of these products is illegal under UAE law. Travelers should avoid carrying any cannabis-related products when entering the country.

Hemp and CBD Products

Many hemp products around the world contain very low levels of THC and are sold as wellness or cosmetic products. However, UAE regulations are much stricter than those in many other countries.

Products marketed as CBD oils, CBD gummies, CBD vapes, or cannabis wellness supplements are generally not permitted for personal import into the UAE.

Even if such products are legal in another country, bringing them into Dubai can lead to legal issues if they contain controlled substances.

Medical Cannabinoid Medicines

There are limited circumstances where cannabinoid-based medicines may exist within regulated healthcare systems.

These products must be:

• Approved pharmaceutical medicines
• Prescribed by a licensed UAE doctor
• Dispensed through licensed pharmacies

In some cases, they may be imported through official medical channels with government approval. These are medical treatments rather than retail cannabis or wellness products.

Travelers should always consult authorities or healthcare providers before attempting to carry any medication related to cannabinoids.

Industrial Hemp Regulations

The UAE introduced Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025, which regulates industrial and medical uses of hemp under government supervision.

Industrial hemp used in regulated environments must contain extremely low levels of THC, generally below 0.3 percent. However, this law focuses mainly on industrial materials, research activities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, not consumer hemp products.

This means hemp-related materials are typically handled by licensed companies rather than tourists.

What Tourists Should Do Before Traveling

If you are visiting Dubai, it is safest to avoid carrying any cannabis, hemp, or CBD-related products unless they are clearly approved medical prescriptions recognized within the UAE.

Travelers should always check official UAE government guidance before bringing medications or plant-derived substances into the country.

Understanding local laws helps ensure a smooth and trouble-free travel experience.

Conclusion

The question “Can tourists carry hemp products to Dubai?” highlights the importance of understanding UAE laws before traveling.

Recreational cannabis products are illegal, and most hemp or CBD wellness products cannot be brought into the country by tourists.

The UAE allows certain hemp-related activities only within controlled industrial and medical frameworks, not for personal import or recreational use.