Legal Amendments in the UAE Regarding Drug Use: An Analytical Perspective

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently introduced significant amendments to its legal framework governing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. These reforms represent a deliberate shift toward a more balanced and modern approach, combining firm criminal enforcement with rehabilitation-focused mechanisms. The amendments underscore the UAE’s broader commitment to safeguarding public health, enhancing societal security, and aligning domestic legislation with internationally recognized best practices.

By recalibrating penalties, restructuring regulatory authorities, and strengthening treatment pathways, the UAE aims to address drug-related offences not merely as criminal acts, but also as complex social and health challenges requiring coordinated institutional responses.

1. Legal Background and Framework

Drug-related offences in the UAE are primarily governed by the Federal Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. This law establishes strict prohibitions against a wide range of activities involving controlled substances, including:

● Importing, exporting, manufacturing, or possessing narcotic or psychotropic substances without lawful authorization;
● The use, consumption, or personal possession of drugs;
● The promotion, sale, distribution, or facilitation of controlled substances in any form.

In December 2025, the UAE issued a Federal Decree-Law amending several key provisions of this legislation, with the amendments taking effect and continuing to shape enforcement practices through 2026. These reforms introduced notable changes to criminal penalties, institutional responsibilities, and treatment-related procedures. The updated framework reflects a more nuanced legal philosophy that distinguishes between drug users, addicts, and large-scale traffickers, while maintaining strong deterrence against organized drug crimes.

2. Regulatory Authorities and Institutional Restructuring

One of the most significant developments under the amended law is the restructuring of regulatory and enforcement responsibilities. The amendments reflect a shift toward centralized oversight and enhanced cooperation between enforcement agencies and healthcare institutions.

Key institutional changes include:

● Replacing references to the Ministry of Interior with the National Anti-Drugs Authority, positioning it as the primary body responsible for combating drug-related crimes and coordinating national anti-drug strategies;
● Expanding the authority of federal and private health institutions to establish and operate specialized drug treatment and rehabilitation centres;
● Establishing the Emirates Drugs Authority, tasked with regulating narcotic and psychotropic substances used for medical and pharmaceutical purposes.

This restructuring demonstrates the UAE’s recognition that effective drug control requires not only criminal enforcement but also robust regulatory oversight and medical governance. By integrating law enforcement and healthcare functions, the amended law promotes early intervention, treatment accessibility, and improved compliance monitoring.

3. New Penalties for Drug Use and Possession

First-Time Drug Use Offences

A central feature of the amendments is the introduction of a graduated penalty system based on repeat offending. This approach allows authorities to respond proportionately, particularly in cases involving personal use.

● First offence: Imprisonment for up to three months or a fine ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000. Importantly, the Public Prosecution or the court may order compulsory treatment instead of imprisonment.
● Second offence: Imprisonment for up to six months or a fine between AED 30,000 and AED 100,000.
● Third offence: Imprisonment for a minimum of two years and a fine of not less than AED 100,000.

This escalating penalty structure reflects a deliberate policy choice to prioritize rehabilitation at the early stages while imposing stricter consequences on repeat offenders who fail to respond to corrective measures.

Adoption of a Treatment-Oriented Approach

The amended law grants courts broader discretion to refer individuals to approved treatment and rehabilitation programs, particularly where addiction is medically established. This approach recognizes substance abuse as a health condition requiring structured intervention rather than solely punitive measures.

Mandatory treatment orders may include medical supervision, counseling, and rehabilitation programs, with the objective of reintegrating individuals into society as productive members. This treatment-oriented philosophy aligns the UAE’s legal approach with modern international standards in drug control policy.

4. Criminal Liability of Doctors and Pharmacists

The amendments also impose enhanced criminal liability on healthcare professionals who misuse their professional authority in relation to controlled substances.

Specifically, the law targets:

● Physicians who prescribe narcotic or psychotropic drugs without legitimate medical justification or beyond legally permitted limits;
● Pharmacists who dispense controlled substances without valid prescriptions or in violation of regulatory requirements.

Such violations are classified as facilitating drug abuse and carry severe penalties, including imprisonment for a minimum of five years and fines of no less than AED 50,000. These provisions reinforce ethical medical practice and ensure that narcotic substances remain strictly regulated within the healthcare system.

5. Deportation and Removal of Foreign Nationals

The amended legislation retains provisions allowing for the deportation of expatriates convicted of drug-related offences after completion of their sentence. Deportation remains a significant legal consequence, reflecting the UAE’s firm stance on maintaining public order and security.

However, the amendments introduce limited judicial discretion in exceptional circumstances. Courts may consider refraining from deportation where removal would cause severe hardship, such as disrupting family stability or depriving dependents of essential medical care within the UAE. This discretionary element allows for humane consideration while preserving the law’s deterrent effect.

6. Severe Penalties for Drug Trafficking and Promotion

While the amended law adopts a rehabilitative approach toward personal drug use, it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking, promotion, and organized distribution networks.

Offences involving the sale, smuggling, promotion, or facilitation of narcotics continue to attract severe penalties, including:

● Long-term imprisonment;
● Substantial financial fines;
● Life imprisonment or capital punishment in aggravated cases, depending on the scale, intent, and societal impact of the offence.

These stringent measures reflect the UAE’s unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking as a serious threat to national security and public welfare.

To conclude, the recent amendments to the UAE’s drug laws represent a progressive and carefully calibrated legal reform. The revised framework is characterized by:

● A balanced integration of punishment and public health considerations;
● A structured system of graduated penalties for drug use;
● Expanded judicial discretion to prioritize treatment and rehabilitation;
● Strong accountability mechanisms for healthcare professionals;
● Continued strict deterrence against trafficking and drug promotion;
● Enhanced institutional coordination and regulatory oversight.

Overall, these reforms demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to proportional justice, societal protection, and rehabilitation-driven outcomes. By addressing drug abuse through both enforcement and treatment, the UAE continues to strengthen its legal system while promoting long-term public health and social stability.