I have read that many prescription meds are not permitted in Dubai, even for transiting passengers without prior approval. I went to the appropriate UAE agency’s website and this was in the instructions:

A copy of the medical prescription with the patient name that has not been issued for more than three months, provided that it includes the patient’s name, the name of the trade & generic name, dosage form, prescribed dose, the date of issuing the prescription, the duration of treatment, the doctor’s name and stamp and the stamp of the treatment authority, and it must be authenticated by the health authority in the country In which he received treatment, or from the embassy of the country therein, or from any authority approved for documentation in that country.


It’s not just opioids, but pretty much anything psychoactive, antidepressants and such included.
I have no clue what “documentation from a health authority” means for an American traveler.
We will be in transit, overnighting in Dubai next month. Has anyone here done this? I have no idea what they want here.

And some over the counter are the illegal like Sudafed.

We’ve been in the same boat as you, transiting Dubai to Zim, we carried documentation from prescribing physician (prescription) on ALL prescriptions we carried…were not asked about any of them, but we were prepared (or so we thought) and had no opioids or other drugs listed as prohibited on website, this from 4 trips thru Dubai. If you have one of the longer layovers, go to Dubai Mall or the textile souk (?)…very interesting and perfectly safe, and ride one of the water taxis on Dubai Creek (only a couple of bucks).

Drugs, of any kind, are illegal here and in many countries.

Some medicines are available over the counter here, while in the UK require a prescription.

Frankly, I cannot understand how this all works worldwide.

Got stopped in Stockholm carrying IMIGRAN - migraine medicine - for a relative.

Had to explain why I was bringing it into the country, as it is not available there, and the person requires it.

They let me in with it eventually.

This you can buy over the counter here.

I think it is prudent for any traveler with prescription drugs to have all the relevant documents with him, wherever he goes.

quote:

Originally posted by Wesheltonj:
And some over the counter are the illegal like Sudafed.

The website doesn’t specifically ban Sudafed…just a few combo therapeutics that do have pseudoephedrine in them. It also does not list generic pseudoephedrine tabs.

https://dubaiofw.com/banned-medicines-in-uae/

Also, a number of cold/allergy products with Benadryl,(diphenhydramine.)