British holidaymakers jetting off to Dubai's sun-drenched skyscrapers and luxurious resorts are being issued an urgent warning: the UAE's zero-tolerance drug laws are brutally strict, and ignorance is never a defence.
A mere trace amount of an illegal substance detected on your clothing, in your luggage, or even in your bloodstream could see you facing a prison sentence measured in decades, not months.
No Such Thing as a 'Minor' Offence
Unlike the UK, where personal use can sometimes be dealt with via a caution, the Emirati legal system draws no such distinction. The presence of any prohibited substance is treated with the utmost severity.
This includes:
- Residues on bags or clothing: Even microscopic amounts from previous use at home can trigger a positive test.
- Traces in the bloodstream: You can be prosecuted for consuming a substance outside the UAE before you even boarded the flight.
- Prescription medication: Many common UK prescription drugs, such as codeine or diazepam, are considered controlled substances in the UAE. Travellers must carry a doctor's note and a copy of the prescription to avoid arrest.
A Chilling Legal Process
If detained, individuals can be held for months without charge while investigations proceed. The burden of proof often rests on the accused, and legal proceedings are conducted in Arabic, with translators provided but not always reliably.
Once a sentence is passed, prisoners are typically required to serve at least half of it before being considered for deportation. This means a 25-year sentence could result in over a decade spent in a foreign prison.
Essential Advice for Travellers
To avoid a holiday becoming a nightmare, follow this crucial advice:
- Wash and vacuum your luggage before travel to remove any potential residues.
- Declare all prescription medications with the correct documentation well in advance of travel.
- Be aware of what you pack; CBD oil and certain vape liquids, legal in the UK, are illegal in the UAE.
- Understand that transit counts. These laws apply even if you are only changing flights in Dubai and do not leave the airport.
The message from the Foreign Office and travel experts is stark and simple: when it comes to drugs and Dubai, there is no grey area. The risk is catastrophic and simply not worth taking.
