Dec 24, 2025 .

UAE Drug Law & Punishments (Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021)

Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 is the primary law governing drug-related offences in the United Arab Emirates. It applies across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all other Emirates, and regulates offences involving drug possession, use, trafficking, importation, and drug testing.
Understanding this law early is critical, as outcomes can depend on procedure, evidence, and legal classification.

What is Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021?

Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 is the main UAE law that regulates narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It was issued in 2021 and replaced Federal Law No. 14 of 1995, updating how drug offences are handled in the UAE.
The law sets out rules, offences, and penalties relating to drug possession, use, trafficking, importation, and testing, and it applies to both UAE nationals and expatriates across all Emirates.

Objectives of Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021

The main objectives of Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 are to:

Combat drug abuse and reduce the use of illegal narcotic and psychotropic substances
Prevent drug trafficking and distribution within and across the UAE
Protect public health and safety by controlling harmful substances
Regulate medical and other authorised uses of controlled drugs under strict conditions
Impose deterrent penalties to discourage drug-related offences

What Offences Are Covered Under the Law?

Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 covers a wide range of drug-related offences. The law applies strict controls not only to trafficking, but also to possession, use, and importation, even where quantities are small.

Drug Possession

The law criminalises the possession of narcotic or psychotropic substances, regardless of quantity. Possession may be established if drugs are found:

On a person
Inside a vehicle
At a residence or other premises

Even small amounts can lead to prosecution, depending on circumstances and evidence.

Drug Use / Consumption

Drug use is an offence under UAE law and may be proven through:

A positive drug test
Admission or confession
Supporting evidence from investigations

Limited medical exceptions may apply where substances are lawfully prescribed and properly documented.

Drug Trafficking & Dealing

Drug trafficking offences include:

Sale or distribution of drugs
Possession with intent to supply
Organising or facilitating drug transactions

These offences carry significantly higher penalties due to their impact on public safety.

Drug Import & Smuggling

The law also criminalises the importation or smuggling of drugs into the UAE, including through:

Airports
Courier parcels
Land or sea borders

This applies even if substances are discovered in luggage or shipments intended for personal use.

Drug Penalties Under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021

Penalties for drug offences under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 vary depending on the type of offence, the substance involved, and the surrounding circumstances. The law provides courts with a range of sanctions, which may include:

Imprisonment, with severity increasing based on the nature of the offence
Financial fines, imposed in addition to or instead of custodial sentences
Deportation for expatriates, subject to judicial discretion
Confiscation of drugs and related items, including tools or proceeds connected to the offence
Travel bans, which may apply during investigations or after conviction

⚠️ Penalties depend on the facts of the case, the quantity involved, and the legal classification of the offence.

Schedule 10 – Penalties Related to Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances

(Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021)

Group	Substances Covered	Quantity / Threshold	Penalty (Summary)
1	Narcotic and psychotropic substances listed in Schedule (1), (2) and (4) (Part One) and (5) – Part One & Part Two	Less than 20 grams	Imprisonment and/or fine, subject to judicial discretion
		From 20 grams to 100 grams	Temporary imprisonment and a fine
		More than 100 grams	Life imprisonment and a substantial fine
2	Plants listed in Schedule (4) – Part Two	Less than 5 plants	Imprisonment and/or fine
		From 5 to 15 plants	Temporary imprisonment and a fine
		More than 15 plants	Life imprisonment and a substantial fine
3	Narcotic & psychotropic substances listed in Schedules (3), (6), (7), and (8)	Less than 150 grams	Imprisonment and/or fine
		From 150 grams to 1000 grams	Temporary imprisonment and a fine
		More than 1000 grams	Life imprisonment and a substantial fine

Disclaimer: This table is a general summary for informational purposes only.
Penalties depend on the facts of the case, substance classification, quantity, evidence, and judicial discretion.

First-Time Drug Offenders in the UAE

Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 allows courts a degree of judicial discretion when dealing with first-time drug offenders, depending on the facts of the case. In certain situations, the court may take into account factors such as the nature of the offence, the quantity involved, and the offender’s personal circumstances.

For some first-time offences, the law permits rehabilitation or treatment considerations instead of harsher penalties. In limited cases, this may result in reduced penalties, subject to judicial assessment and compliance with legal conditions.

Because outcomes can vary significantly, early legal representation is critical to ensure that the case is properly classified and all mitigating factors are presented.

Drug Cases and Deportation Under UAE Law

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021, deportation is possible for expatriates convicted of drug offences, but it is not automatic in every case. The decision to order deportation is generally subject to court discretion, depending on the circumstances of the offence.

When considering deportation, courts may assess factors such as:

The type and seriousness of the drug offence
Whether the case involves use, possession, or trafficking
The quantity and classification of the substance
Whether the offender is a first-time or repeat offender
The individual’s personal and residency circumstances

Because deportation can have long-term consequences, legal representation plays an important role in presenting mitigating factors and seeking appropriate judicial consideration.

Drug Testing, Evidence & Procedure

Drug cases under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 rely heavily on testing results, physical evidence, and procedural compliance. Authorities may conduct drug tests as part of an investigation, and the results can form a key element of the case when properly obtained and documented.

Law enforcement actions such as search and seizure must follow legally prescribed procedures. Evidence, including substances and test samples, is required to be collected, handled, stored, and documented in accordance with applicable regulations.

The lawfulness of procedures plays an important role in how evidence is assessed by the courts. Compliance with legal processes helps ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and that evidence is evaluated correctly within the judicial system.

Legal Process in a UAE Drug Case

A drug case in the UAE generally follows a structured legal process, from investigation to final judgment. While timelines may vary, the typical stages are as follows:

1. Arrest and Investigation

Authorities conduct investigations, which may include questioning, searches, drug testing, and evidence collection.

2. Public Prosecution

The case is reviewed by the Public Prosecution, which decides whether to file formal charges and refer the matter to court.

3. Court Hearings

The case is heard before the competent court, where evidence is examined and legal arguments are presented.

4. Judgment

The court issues its decision, which may include conviction, acquittal, or other legal outcomes depending on the facts.

5. Appeal

In eligible cases, the judgment may be challenged before a higher court within the legally prescribed time limits.

Understanding each stage helps individuals know what to expect and when legal action is required.

How a Lawyer Defends Drug Cases Under Federal Decree-Law No. 30

Defending a drug case under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 requires a careful and structured legal approach based on the facts of each case. A lawyer’s role typically includes reviewing the legality of investigative procedures, including arrest, search, and evidence collection, to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Legal defence also involves assessing the evidence relied upon by the prosecution and examining how the offence has been legally classified. In appropriate cases, lawyers may present mitigating submissions to the court, taking into account personal circumstances and case-specific factors.

Each case is evaluated individually, and outcomes depend on judicial assessment and the evidence before the court.

Frequently Asked Questions – UAE Drug Law

What law governs drug cases in the UAE?

Drug cases in the UAE are primarily governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021, which regulates narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and sets out offences, procedures, and penalties across all Emirates.

Is Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 applicable in Dubai?

Yes. Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 applies throughout the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all other Emirates. Drug cases in Dubai are handled under this federal law.

Is small quantity drug possession a crime in the UAE?

Yes. Possession of even a small quantity of drugs can constitute an offence under UAE law. The quantity involved may affect how the case is classified and how penalties are assessed.

Can expatriates avoid deportation in a drug case?

Deportation is possible but not automatic for expatriates. Courts have discretion and may consider factors such as the type of offence, whether it is a first offence, and personal circumstances.

Is bail possible in a UAE drug case?

In some cases, bail may be granted, depending on the stage of the case, the nature of the offence, and the decision of the competent authority or court. Bail is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

How long does a drug case take in the UAE?

The duration of a drug case can vary. Factors include the complexity of the investigation, court schedules, and whether appeals are filed. Some cases may conclude within months, while others take longer.

Is rehabilitation possible for drug offenders in the UAE?

In certain situations, particularly for first-time offenders, the law allows courts to consider rehabilitation or treatment measures, subject to legal conditions and judicial discretion.

Does a positive drug test mean automatic conviction?

A positive drug test does not automatically result in conviction. Courts assess test results together with other evidence and consider whether procedures were lawfully followed.

Naina Fahimath