Hemp regulation in the UAE is not handled by one single government body.
If you are asking who regulates hemp in the UAE, the answer depends on the activity. Seeds and cultivation sit mainly with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Security and enforcement involve the National Anti-Narcotics Authority. Manufacturing and testing involve the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Product import and export involve the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Medical hemp products fall under the pharmaceutical framework led by the Emirates Drug Establishment. Local authorities in each emirate also have important approval powers.
That may sound complicated, but the structure becomes easier to understand once you separate hemp by activity.
Who Regulates Hemp in the UAE?
Hemp in the UAE is not regulated by one single government body. It is overseen by several federal and local authorities, depending on the specific activity involved. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment regulates hemp seeds and cultivation. The National Anti-Narcotics Authority plays a key role in security, oversight, THC exceedance reporting, and enforcement. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is involved in manufacturing approvals, laboratory accreditation, THC testing, and the official Industrial Hemp Symbol. The Ministry of Foreign Trade handles import and export permits for finished hemp products. Medical and pharmaceutical hemp products fall under the Emirates Drug Establishment, while local authorities in each emirate can add approvals, restrictions, or prohibitions within their own jurisdiction.
In simple terms, the UAE treats hemp as a controlled industrial and medical sector, not as a normal consumer product category. That means every hemp-related activity must follow the correct licensing path, meet the 0.3% total THC requirement where applicable, and receive the right federal and local approvals before it can legally operate.
UAE Hemp Regulators at a Glance
| Hemp Activity | Main Authority Involved |
|---|---|
| Seed import/export | Ministry of Climate Change and Environment |
| Cultivation | Ministry of Climate Change and Environment + local authority + NANA security clearance |
| Security and enforcement | National Anti-Narcotics Authority and local police/security authorities |
| Manufacturing | Local authority, after approval from MoIAT |
| THC testing and lab accreditation | Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology |
| Import/export of finished hemp products | Ministry of Foreign Trade + local authority |
| Medical hemp products | Emirates Drug Establishment under the medical products framework |
| Emirate-level permissions | Relevant local authority in each emirate |
| Free zone activities | Same federal and local framework; no automatic exemption |
Why Hemp Has More Than One Regulator in the UAE
Industrial hemp is not regulated like an ordinary crop or a simple wellness product.
Under the UAE framework, hemp can be:
- an agricultural crop,
- an industrial raw material,
- a traded product,
- a medical or pharmaceutical ingredient,
- a product requiring THC testing,
- and a controlled substance risk if it crosses the permitted THC limit.
Because of this, different authorities oversee different parts of the supply chain.
Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 defines industrial hemp as Cannabis Sativa, or any part, derivative, or extract of it, where the total THC concentration in the flowering heads and leaves does not exceed 0.3% on a dry-weight basis. The calculation also takes into account potential THCa conversion into Delta-9 THC, as determined by the executive regulations.
That 0.3% threshold is one of the reasons multiple authorities are involved. Hemp may be allowed under licence, but anything outside the permitted framework can move into narcotics-law territory.
1. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment: Seeds and Cultivation
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, often referred to as MOCCAE, plays a central role at the start of the hemp supply chain.
In Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025, “the Ministry” is defined as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The law gives the Ministry important responsibilities for industrial hemp seeds and cultivation.
What MOCCAE Regulates
MOCCAE is involved in:
- licensing the import and export of industrial hemp seeds,
- issuing permits for hemp seed consignments,
- overseeing cultivation licences,
- approving hemp seed varieties through the framework set by the executive regulations,
- receiving notifications if THC exceeds the permitted 0.3% threshold during cultivation,
- and coordinating with local authorities on cultivation areas.
A company cannot simply import hemp seeds into the UAE and begin cultivation. The law requires a licence from the Ministry and the necessary local authority approvals before seed import/export activity can take place.
For cultivation, the law also requires a licence from the Ministry, local authority approvals, and security clearance through a committee affiliated with the National Anti-Narcotics Authority.
Why This Matters
For businesses, MOCCAE is one of the first authorities to consider if the activity involves hemp seeds or cultivation.
This does not mean all hemp businesses start with MOCCAE. A company importing finished hemp products, for example, would follow a different pathway. But for cultivation and seed activity, MOCCAE is central.
2. National Anti-Narcotics Authority: Security, Oversight and Enforcement
The National Anti-Narcotics Authority, or NANA, is one of the most important bodies in the UAE hemp framework.
The hemp law defines the “Authority” as the National Anti-Narcotics Authority. Its role is especially important where hemp cultivation, THC exceedances, security clearances, inspections, and enforcement are concerned.
What NANA Does in Hemp Regulation
NANA’s role includes:
- involvement in security clearance for cultivation-related persons,
- setting or coordinating security conditions for cultivation areas through the relevant committee,
- receiving notifications when THC exceeds the permitted 0.3% threshold,
- coordinating with licensing authorities, police authorities, and local security authorities where investigations or enforcement are required,
- and supporting inspection and control functions within its legal competence.
For cultivation, the law requires security clearance from a committee affiliated with the Authority. This clearance applies to the owner of the agricultural company, partners, and workers involved in the licensed cultivation activity.
Why NANA Matters
NANA’s role shows that the UAE’s hemp framework is built around controlled access, traceability, and prevention of misuse.
This is especially important because industrial hemp is only permitted when it stays within the legal definition and licensed activity framework. If a crop, product, or activity moves outside the permitted conditions, the issue may no longer be only administrative.
3. Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology: Manufacturing, Testing and the Hemp Symbol
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, or MoIAT, is the key federal authority for manufacturing-related hemp controls.
Under the law, manufacturing industrial hemp products requires a licence from the concerned local authority after approval from MoIAT.
What MoIAT Regulates
MoIAT is involved in three major areas.
Manufacturing Approval
A company cannot manufacture industrial hemp products in the UAE without the required local licence and MoIAT approval.
The law also sets manufacturing conditions, including:
- a company established under UAE law,
- products and uses permitted by the executive regulations,
- an approved quality management system or GMP certificate,
- an internal lab or contract with an accredited external lab,
- electronic documentation for each production batch,
- and separate factory areas for receiving, manufacturing, packaging, storage, waste, and shipping.
THC Testing and Laboratory Accreditation
MoIAT is also important for testing.
For finished hemp product imports and exports, the law requires a certificate from laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology confirming that THC concentration does not exceed 0.3%.
This is a major compliance point for importers and exporters. A foreign certificate of analysis may not be enough if it does not meet the UAE’s accreditation requirements.
Industrial Hemp Symbol
The law also refers to an official Industrial Hemp Symbol, which must be placed on hemp products for identification. The design or determination of this symbol is to be issued by resolution of the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Why MoIAT Matters
For businesses that want to manufacture, import, export, or circulate hemp products, MoIAT is not optional. Its role affects product testing, manufacturing readiness, documentation, and product identification.
4. Ministry of Foreign Trade: Import and Export of Hemp Products
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is the main authority named in the law for import and export permits for finished industrial hemp products.
This is separate from hemp seeds. Seeds are handled through the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Finished hemp products fall under the product import/export pathway involving the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Importing Industrial Hemp Products
Industrial hemp products cannot be imported into the UAE unless an import permit is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the required approvals from the relevant local authority are fulfilled.
The law lists several import permit requirements, including:
- a valid licence for import/export activity,
- commercial registration,
- a MoIAT-accredited lab certificate confirming THC does not exceed 0.3%,
- product eligibility under the executive regulations,
- a valid contract with the exporter,
- certificate of origin,
- insurance coverage,
- and a product label card.
Exporting Industrial Hemp Products
Exports also require a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Trade, along with local authority approvals and other supporting documents.
For export, the law also requires approval from the competent government authority in the importing country confirming that the hemp products may be imported there.
Why This Matters
Importers and exporters must treat hemp as a controlled product category. A normal commercial import process is not enough. Product eligibility, THC testing, documentation, destination-country approval, and local authority requirements all matter.
5. Emirates Drug Establishment: Medical and Pharmaceutical Hemp Products
Medical hemp products are handled differently from industrial hemp products.
Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 states that activities related to medical products containing industrial hemp compounds, or raw materials extracted from industrial hemp used in manufacturing medical products, are subject to the UAE medical products and pharmacy framework.
The Emirates Drug Establishment, or EDE, is the key federal authority for medical and pharmaceutical products in the UAE. EDE’s official website describes it as the federal authority responsible for regulating medical and pharmaceutical products in the UAE.
What EDE Regulates
In the hemp context, EDE is relevant for:
- pharmaceutical product registration,
- medical product approval,
- regulated medicine pathways,
- pharmaceutical establishments,
- and controlled medical product oversight.
This means a hemp-derived medical product is not treated like a general wellness product. It must follow the UAE’s medical product framework.
Many people still search for MOHAP when asking about hemp or CBD in the UAE. That is understandable because MOHAP has historically been associated with healthcare regulation.
However, for medical and pharmaceutical product regulation, the Emirates Drug Establishment is now the more precise reference point. MOHAP remains important in the broader UAE health system, but hemp-derived medicines should be discussed through the EDE-led medical product framework.
For patients, the practical rule is simple: do not self-import or self-use hemp-derived medical products. Speak to a licensed UAE doctor and rely only on approved UAE medical channels.
6. Local Authorities: Emirate-Level Approvals and Restrictions
Local authorities are not a minor part of the UAE hemp system. They are essential.
Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 gives each emirate the authority to prohibit or restrict all or some hemp-related activities within its territorial limits.
This means a federal approval does not automatically allow a business to operate anywhere in the UAE. The relevant emirate-level authority may still require additional approvals, conditions, inspections, or restrictions.
What Local Authorities May Cover
Depending on the activity and emirate, local authority involvement may include:
- local business licensing,
- cultivation area designation,
- local health or pharmacy oversight,
- local agriculture or environment approvals,
- local customs coordination,
- security coordination,
- inspection,
- transportation approvals,
- and emirate-level restrictions.
Cross-Emirate Transport
Transporting industrial hemp seeds or seedlings is also locally controlled.
The law requires approval from the concerned local authority before transporting hemp seeds or seedlings. If transport crosses more than one emirate, approval must be obtained from each concerned local authority.
This is a major point for businesses planning supply chains across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, or other emirates.
7. Free Zones: Not an Exemption From Hemp Regulation
Free zone status does not remove hemp from the federal framework.
Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 applies to hemp activities practiced in the UAE, including free zones. That means businesses in free zones must still consider the relevant federal law, local approvals, licensing conditions, THC testing rules, and product restrictions.
A free zone company may still need approvals from federal and local authorities depending on the activity.
Who Approves What? Activity-Wise Breakdown
Here is the clearest way to understand who regulates hemp in the UAE.
| Activity | Authorities involved |
|---|---|
| Import/export of hemp seeds | MOCCAE + relevant local authority + security clearances where required |
| Cultivation | MOCCAE + local authority + NANA security clearance |
| Transport of seeds/seedlings | Relevant local authority in each emirate involved |
| Manufacturing hemp products | Local authority after MoIAT approval |
| Import of finished hemp products | Ministry of Foreign Trade + local authority + MoIAT-accredited lab certificate |
| Export of finished hemp products | Ministry of Foreign Trade + local authority + destination-country approval + MoIAT-accredited lab certificate |
| Circulation/trading of hemp products | Local authority + licensing authority approvals + product labelling requirements |
| Medical hemp products | Emirates Drug Establishment + licensed UAE medical/pharmacy channels |
| Advertising hemp products | Licensing authority approval, coordinated with media regulation authorities |
Which Authority Should a Hemp Business Contact First?
The first authority depends on the business model.
If You Want to Cultivate Hemp
Start with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the relevant local authority. Security clearance requirements involving NANA will also be part of the process.
If You Want to Import Hemp Seeds
Start with MOCCAE for seed import licensing and permits, while also checking the local authority requirements in the emirate where the activity will take place.
If You Want to Manufacture Hemp Products
Start with MoIAT approval and the relevant local authority. Manufacturing cannot proceed unless the required manufacturing licence and MoIAT-related requirements are satisfied.
If You Want to Import Finished Hemp Products
Start with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the relevant local authority. You will also need to confirm whether the product category is permitted and whether the THC certificate comes from a MoIAT-accredited laboratory.
If You Want to Export Hemp Products
Start with the Ministry of Foreign Trade. You will also need local authority approvals, a MoIAT-accredited lab certificate, and confirmation from the destination country’s competent authority.
If You Are Asking About Medical Hemp
Speak to a licensed UAE doctor. Medical hemp products are not a general consumer pathway. They fall under the UAE’s medical products and pharmacy framework involving the Emirates Drug Establishment.
Key Compliance Points Businesses Should Not Miss
Businesses should pay close attention to these points:
- Industrial hemp is only legal within the licensed framework.
- The 0.3% total THC limit is central to compliance.
- THCa conversion may be counted when calculating total THC.
- Seeds, cultivation, manufacturing, product import/export, transport, and circulation are separate regulated activities.
- Local authority approval may be required even when federal approval exists.
- Each emirate can restrict or prohibit hemp activities within its territory.
- Free zones are included in the law.
- Product import/export requires proper documentation and accredited testing.
- Medical hemp products follow the UAE medical product framework, not the general consumer product route.
- Advertising and promotion require approval from the licensing authority.
Conclusion
So, who regulates hemp in the UAE?
The answer is: several authorities regulate hemp, and each one controls a different part of the supply chain.
MOCCAE handles seeds and cultivation. NANA is involved in security, anti-narcotics oversight, and enforcement. MoIAT handles manufacturing approval, testing infrastructure, and the Industrial Hemp Symbol. The Ministry of Foreign Trade handles import and export permits for finished hemp products. The Emirates Drug Establishment oversees the medical product pathway. Local authorities control emirate-level permissions and can impose additional restrictions.
For residents, the most important point is that hemp-derived medical products should only be approached through licensed UAE healthcare channels.
For businesses, the most important point is that there is no single hemp licence that covers everything. Each activity needs the right approval from the right authority, in the right order.
UAE hemp regulation is strict, layered, and still developing through executive regulations and emirate-level implementation. Anyone planning to import, manufacture, cultivate, trade, prescribe, or promote hemp products should get qualified UAE legal advice before taking action.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UAE hemp regulation involves multiple federal and local authorities, and implementation may continue to develop through executive regulations, Cabinet decisions, local authority requirements, and sector-specific guidance.
Always verify current requirements with qualified UAE legal counsel and the relevant government authorities before making personal, commercial, import, export, medical, or investment decisions related to hemp.
Who regulates hemp in the UAE?
Hemp in the UAE is regulated by multiple authorities. MOCCAE regulates seeds and cultivation, NANA is involved in security and enforcement, MoIAT handles manufacturing approval and testing accreditation, the Ministry of Foreign Trade handles finished product import/export permits, EDE regulates medical products, and local authorities control emirate-level approvals.
Is MOHAP responsible for hemp in the UAE?
MOHAP is still important in the broader UAE healthcare system, but pharmaceutical and medical product regulation is now more accurately associated with the Emirates Drug Establishment. For hemp-derived medicines, the relevant pathway is the UAE medical products framework led by EDE.
What does NANA do in UAE hemp regulation?
NANA, the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, is involved in security clearances, security controls, THC exceedance notifications, inspections, and enforcement coordination within the hemp framework.
Which authority regulates hemp cultivation in the UAE?
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment regulates hemp cultivation at the federal level, along with the relevant local authority in the emirate. Security clearance through the NANA-linked process is also required.
Which authority approves hemp product imports into the UAE?
Finished hemp product imports require a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Trade, relevant local authority approvals, and a THC certificate from a MoIAT-accredited laboratory.
Do UAE free zones have separate hemp rules?
Free zones are not exempt from the federal hemp law. Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 applies to hemp activities in the UAE, including free zones.
Can each emirate restrict hemp activity?
Yes. Each emirate has the authority to prohibit or restrict hemp-related activities within its territory, even where the federal framework permits the activity.
External Source
https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/3886/download
https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/home.aspx
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