Health, vaccinations and medical care in United Arab Emirates

Check your medicines before you fly

This is the most important paragraph on this page. People are arrested at UAE airports every year over medication that was prescribed to them at home.

• Narcotic, psychotropic, controlled and semi-controlled medicines need advance approval from the Ministry of Health.
• The list is longer than you expect and includes codeine, tramadol, many sleeping tablets, some strong painkillers and some ADHD and anxiety medication.
• Apply online through MOHAP before you travel. It is free and takes a few days.
• You may bring up to 3 months of supply of ordinary prescription medicine, reduced to 1 month for restricted medicines.
• Carry everything in original labelled packaging with a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter.
• CBD products of any kind are illegal. This includes oils, gummies, skincare and vape liquid.
• Not knowing is not a defence and has not prevented prosecutions.

Treatment

• Hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are excellent, modern and largely staffed by internationally trained doctors.
• They are extremely expensive and expect payment or insurer confirmation up front.
• Comprehensive travel insurance is essential, with a high cover limit.
• Pharmacies are everywhere, many open 24 hours, and pharmacists are helpful. Many drugs sold over the counter here need a prescription elsewhere, and the reverse is also true.
• Dental and cosmetic treatment is a large industry and mostly good, but is not covered by travel insurance.

The heat is a medical issue

• Summer temperatures reach 45 °C and above, with humidity on the coast that makes it feel worse.
• August, right now, is the hardest month. Outdoor exertion in the middle of the day is genuinely dangerous rather than merely uncomfortable.
• Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the commonest visitor emergencies. Symptoms are headache, nausea, confusion and stopping sweating. The last one is an emergency.
• Drink far more water than you think and add salt or electrolytes.
• Plan mornings and evenings outdoors, middle of the day indoors. This is how the country actually operates in summer.
• Cars become lethal within minutes. Never leave anyone in one.
• The sun is intense even in winter. High-factor sunscreen year round.

The easy parts

• Tap water is desalinated and safe, though it sits in building tanks and most people drink bottled. Ice in hotels and restaurants is fine.
• Food hygiene standards are high and enforced, including at the food courts and shawarma stands.
• No vaccinations are required for entry unless arriving from a yellow fever risk country.
• There is no malaria risk in the UAE.