United Arab Emirates – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in the UAE, and how do I recognise one?

The Arabic word for pharmacy is صيدلية, romanised as Saydaliyyah (also written as Saydaliya or Saydalia). This term features prominently on signage throughout the country, almost always accompanied by the English word “Pharmacy,” a reflection of the UAE’s culturally and linguistically diverse environment.

The green cross is the most universally recognisable emblem displayed outside UAE pharmacies — the same symbol familiar to shoppers across continental Europe and many other parts of the world. Some outlets also feature a crescent and star motif or a traditional snake-and-cup emblem. Well-established national chains including Aster Pharmacy, Bin Sina Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, and Boots (in select locations) occupy modern, brightly lit premises in shopping centres, residential districts, and hospital campuses, making them straightforward to identify.

Pharmacies across the UAE are licensed and regulated by one of three authorities depending on location: the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH). A licence number is typically posted at the entrance, giving customers confidence that the outlet functions within a clearly defined legal framework.

What are pharmacy opening hours in the UAE?

Most pharmacies in the UAE operate from around 9:00 am through to 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm, seven days a week. Unlike many countries where trading hours are reduced on a particular weekend day, UAE pharmacies generally maintain consistent hours throughout the week. During the holy month of Ramadan, schedules may shift towards later-evening hours, so checking with your local branch during that period is advisable.

Around-the-clock pharmaceutical access is firmly established across the UAE. Any pharmacy licensed to operate 24 hours must ensure a qualified pharmacist is on duty at all times, and the rota must include at least four licensed pharmacists. This requirement guarantees that late-night and overnight dispensing remains professionally supervised — a considerably higher standard than unmanned vending solutions found in some other countries.

Major chains such as Aster Pharmacy, which operates a network of over 200 outlets, are committed to providing expert pharmacist services at any hour. Online pharmacy platforms such as Bin Sina and 800 Pharmacy offer 24/7 delivery across Dubai and Abu Dhabi for over-the-counter products. For prescription items ordered through digital channels, a valid UAE prescription must be uploaded or otherwise verified before the order can be fulfilled.

There is no formalised national duty rota system comparable to those found in certain European nations, but the sheer density of 24-hour physical pharmacies in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah means that after-hours access is seldom a practical concern for urban residents. Those living in more outlying or rural areas of the country would be well advised to keep an adequate supply of any regularly required medicines on hand.

Which medicines can I buy over the counter in the UAE, and which require a prescription?

The overwhelming majority of medicines in common worldwide use are stocked at UAE community pharmacies and hospitals. Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory products, antihistamines, cold and flu remedies, antacids, and standard wound-care supplies can all be purchased freely over the counter. Paracetamol is widely available and is not classified as a controlled substance; ibuprofen likewise carries no controlled status and is sold without restriction.

A noteworthy feature of the UAE pharmacy landscape is that the prescription status of some products differs from what international visitors may be accustomed to. Certain preparations — for instance some antibiotic eye drops or oral rehydration solutions — that require a doctor’s authorisation in other countries may be dispensed without one in the UAE. If the dispensing status of a particular product is unclear to you, always ask the pharmacist directly.

At the other end of the spectrum, narcotic and psychotropic substances classified as controlled drugs are subject to strict controls. These controlled and semi-controlled medicines — which include diazepam, codeine, and certain antidepressants — are predominantly administered in clinical settings to patients managing acute or chronic diseases, and are largely given to in-patients. Codeine in particular is classed as a controlled drug, and any product containing it requires prior permission to bring into the UAE.

Regarding online purchases: UAE-licensed domestic online pharmacies may deliver over-the-counter items directly to your door. Prescription medicines ordered through digital platforms require prescription verification before despatch. Importing prescription drugs by ordering from international online pharmacies is neither clearly legal nor advisable, and carries a genuine risk of seizure at customs. Rely on UAE-licensed pharmacies and consult the MOHAP official website for the current list of controlled and approved medicines.

Will my prescription from another country be accepted in the UAE?

To purchase prescription medication in the UAE, you must obtain a prescription from a locally licensed doctor. UAE pharmacies — whether in Dubai or any other emirate — are unable to honour prescriptions issued in another country. This is an important distinction for newly arrived expats who may be familiar with cross-border prescription recognition systems, such as those that operate within the European Union or in parts of Latin America. In the UAE, local clinical authorisation is the mandatory pathway regardless of what documentation a patient holds from their home country.

No broad international agreements or reciprocal arrangements exist that would allow a foreign prescription to be presented directly at a UAE pharmacy in lieu of a locally issued one. The UAE’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework, codified under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2024 governing pharmaceutical professions and institutions and regulating the import, manufacture, and sale of pharmaceuticals, requires that dispensing be linked to an authorisation generated within the country.

For expats arriving with existing medical conditions, the practical approach is to bring a well-documented supply of your medication to tide you over during the transition period (see the section on importing medicines), and then promptly arrange a consultation with a UAE-licensed doctor to obtain a local prescription. While your foreign prescription or a comprehensive medical summary from your previous physician cannot be dispensed against directly, such documents remain valuable supporting material during that initial appointment.

How do I get a prescription in the UAE?

Obtaining a prescription in the UAE involves a relatively uncomplicated process. Unlike systems such as the UK’s NHS that require patients to formally register with a designated GP practice, the UAE has no such obligation. You may walk into any licensed clinic or hospital and request a consultation. Both public and private healthcare facilities are entitled to issue valid prescriptions.

1. Choose a licensed healthcare facility. This may be a government-operated hospital or clinic, or any of the numerous private clinics and hospitals serving the expatriate community. Your health insurance card will ordinarily specify a network of approved providers to ensure your visit is covered.
2. Book or attend a consultation. Same-day or next-day appointments are widely available at private clinics in major urban areas, and walk-in services are offered at many facilities. Telehealth platforms holding a DHA or MOHAP licence are also authorised to issue prescriptions digitally for appropriate conditions.
3. Receive your prescription. All prescriptions must be legibly written, correctly formatted, and contain full patient and prescribing doctor details. Pharmacists are not permitted to alter a prescription without the prescribing physician’s written authorisation and must contact the doctor to resolve any discrepancies.
4. Take the prescription to a pharmacy. UAE prescriptions are not restricted to a single dispensing outlet; any licensed pharmacy may fulfil a valid prescription. Retain the original document, as pharmacies will keep it or record the dispensing information on their system.
5. Collect your medication. Your pharmacist will dispense the medicine and is available to advise on dosage, potential interactions, and storage conditions. For controlled substances, the dispensing of every prescription must be logged in the national tracking system.

Prescription validity periods are not published as a single uniform national figure and may vary by medication type and by emirate. As a general guide, standard prescriptions are considered valid for a limited window — typically up to one month from the date of issue for ordinary medicines, with shorter validity for controlled substances. Make use of your prescription promptly and speak to your prescribing doctor if you anticipate needing a repeat or a longer-term supply arrangement.

How much do prescriptions cost in the UAE, and is there a subsidised medicines scheme?

The UAE does not offer a nationally funded flat-fee prescription system comparable to the NHS prescription charge in the UK or Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Instead, medicine costs are met through a blend of private health insurance co-payments and direct personal expenditure, with the degree of coverage depending on your insurance plan and the emirate where you reside.

Under the basic health insurance framework that came into effect in January 2025, patients pay 25% of the cost of outpatient doctor visits, up to a maximum of AED 100 per visit, with no charge for follow-up appointments within one week. For medicines, the patient contributes 30% of the cost, subject to an annual ceiling of AED 1,500. This yearly cap on medicine co-payments affords a degree of financial protection somewhat analogous to a prescription prepayment certificate, though the mechanics differ — you pay a proportion of each medicine’s price rather than a fixed fee per item.

The UAE has introduced a number of price reduction measures in recent years. In 2019, MOHAP issued a Ministerial Decree cutting the prices of 410 drugs, including treatments for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia. The ‘Reduction in Medicine Prices’ initiative is aimed at making UAE drug prices the lowest in the Gulf region.

UAE nationals enrolled in Abu Dhabi’s Thiqa programme benefit from considerably more generous coverage, with the Thiqa programme providing full medical coverage to UAE nationals. Expats are not eligible for Thiqa. Always confirm current co-payment rates and formulary coverage directly with your insurer, and consult the MOHAP website for the most current approved medicine pricing information.

Are brand-name and generic medicines both available in the UAE?

The UAE pharmaceutical market carries both originator brand-name products and a broad range of generic medicines. MOHAP registers and approves generic products that satisfy established bioequivalence standards, supporting a competitive domestic generics sector. Under UAE pharmaceutical law, a generic product is defined as one that is bioequivalent to the originator medicine and may hold pioneer status as the first generic to receive marketing approval, without prejudice to applicable intellectual property rights.

Prescribing physicians may write prescriptions using a brand name or the International Non-proprietary Name (INN), depending on their clinical judgement and individual preference. Pharmacists are generally permitted to recommend or substitute a bioequivalent generic where one is available, provided the prescription does not carry a “no substitution” instruction. If cost is a factor in your decision-making, it is worth asking your pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, since generics are typically priced below their branded counterparts.

Price differentials between branded and generic products can be substantial. The UAE pharmaceutical market is projected to reach USD 4.7 billion by 2025, and while a series of price reduction initiatives have been implemented, independent price comparison studies continue to highlight significant variation in the market. If your insurer’s formulary favours generic products, choosing the generic version of your prescribed medicine can meaningfully reduce the amount you pay in co-payments.

What should expats know about bringing medications into the UAE from abroad?

Whether you are arriving for a brief visit or making a permanent move, familiarising yourself with the UAE’s strict drug importation rules is essential to avoid inadvertently committing an offence. Medicines that are entirely legal in your country of origin are not automatically permitted in the UAE, and the consequences of non-compliance can be severe. The country operates a zero-tolerance approach to narcotics and conducts rigorous checks at airports and all border crossings.

For import purposes, medicines are divided into three categories:

• General/non-controlled medicines: Standard over-the-counter or regular prescription drugs that generally require no advance approval from MOHAP, provided the quantity carried does not exceed three months’ supply for the patient concerned.
• Controlled or semi-controlled medicines: Products containing narcotic or psychotropic substances such as diazepam, codeine, and certain antidepressants. Bringing these medicines into the UAE requires prior approval from MOHAP in the form of a personal use import permit.
• Prohibited substances: Drugs that are completely banned — including cannabis — which cannot be imported under any circumstances whatsoever.

Visitors travelling with controlled medications may carry a maximum of 30 days’ supply. For non-controlled prescription medicines, visitors may carry up to three months’ worth. In both cases, a doctor’s prescription must accompany the medicines. A resident of the UAE may carry up to 12 months’ worth of medication.

The documentation required when travelling with prescription medicines includes: a doctor’s prescription stating the patient’s name, the medicine name, dose and dosage form, duration of treatment, date of issue, and the prescribing physician’s name. A medical report detailing your clinical background is optional but strongly advisable, especially for controlled substances. A purchase receipt or invoice confirming legitimate acquisition from a licensed pharmacy or healthcare provider should also be included.

For controlled medicines, an import permit must be obtained from MOHAP before you travel. MOHAP issues these permits free of charge through their electronic application system. Applications are submitted via the MOHAP permit service. Keep all medicines in their original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription alongside the original. As regulations in this area are subject to revision, always confirm current requirements with the UAE Embassy or directly with MOHAP prior to departure.

How do private health insurance and public healthcare affect prescription costs in the UAE?

For expats, the UAE healthcare system functions primarily on a private insurance model — an arrangement substantially different from tax-funded universal systems such as the UK’s NHS or Canada’s provincial programmes, where residents access care without insurance premiums. In the UAE, healthcare access for expatriates is directly linked to insurance coverage.

All expats and foreign nationals are legally required to hold private health insurance, which may be provided in full or in part by an employer. Where an employer does not supply coverage, the individual must obtain and fund a policy independently. The scope of healthcare facilities accessible to you — public or private — depends on the specific plan you hold.

As part of a Cabinet decision to extend mandatory health insurance to all emirates for private-sector employees and domestic workers from 1 January 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, working alongside MOHAP, introduced a Basic Health Insurance package at a competitive price point with low out-of-pocket treatment costs. The centrepiece of the 2025 reforms is this new basic package, priced at AED 320 per year and available to individuals aged 1 to 64.

The basic package grants access to seven hospitals, 46 clinics, and 45 pharmacies across the UAE. While this represents a useful safety net, expats with ongoing health conditions or those seeking a broader selection of providers and specialists will generally benefit from a more comprehensive policy. Average health insurance costs in Dubai can reach up to AED 10,000 per year, while comprehensive individual premiums across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other major cities typically start from AED 5,500.

Under more comprehensive private plans, prescription medicines are generally covered subject to a co-payment and the insurer’s formulary (approved drug list), with some policies providing full reimbursement for medicines tied to specific chronic conditions. A notable feature of the 2025 basic package is that coverage for chronic diseases is available without any waiting period. Always review your policy’s drug formulary carefully and check with your insurer that your specific medicines are covered before attending an appointment.

Government health cards issued through DHA and MOHAP offer an additional budget-conscious option at AED 100–500 annually. These cards allow access to public facilities at subsidised rates and can be used alongside private insurance, though they do not satisfy the mandatory insurance requirement on their own. Verify current pricing for health cards directly with the issuing authority, as fees may change over time.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in an emergency before I have a local doctor?

If you find yourself without medication and have yet to register with a local doctor, head to the emergency department or a walk-in clinic at any UAE hospital — both public and private hospitals will see expats. A duty doctor can evaluate your condition and issue a short-term emergency prescription for critical ongoing medicines. No prior registration with a practice is necessary. Carrying a copy of your current prescription and relevant medical records will help accelerate the consultation.

Will UAE pharmacists speak a language I understand?

The UAE’s diverse expatriate population means that most private healthcare facilities employ multilingual staff. In cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is common to encounter pharmacists and other healthcare workers who communicate in English, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Filipino, and additional languages. Major pharmacy chains typically train staff to assist customers with varying linguistic backgrounds. If you have concerns about being understood, simply ask at the counter — pharmacy teams are well accustomed to helping patients from many different countries.

How do I manage a chronic condition during the gap between arriving and establishing local healthcare?

With MOHAP approval, visitors may bring up to a three-month supply of controlled medication, while residents may bring up to a twelve-month supply. For non-controlled prescription medicines, a three-month supply is generally permitted for visitors. Plan your supply carefully to cover the transition period, travel with complete documentation, and make booking a consultation with a UAE-licensed doctor an early priority after arrival so that a local prescription is in place before your medication runs out.

Can I order prescription medicines online in the UAE?

Yes. UAE-licensed online pharmacies are permitted to deliver prescription medicines, but the prescription must first be verified by a UAE-licensed doctor. Telehealth platforms affiliated with licensed UAE clinics can generate e-prescriptions that are accepted directly by network pharmacies. Purchasing prescription medicines from overseas internet pharmacies and having them shipped into the UAE is neither clearly legal nor recommended, and carries a significant risk of seizure at customs.

Are there any medications commonly used abroad that are banned in the UAE?

Yes, and this catches many travellers off guard. A range of medicines that are perfectly legal in other jurisdictions are tightly regulated or outright prohibited when brought into the UAE. Examples include certain codeine-containing formulations, some benzodiazepines such as diazepam and alprazolam, particular antidepressants, and products incorporating pseudoephedrine or similar controlled substances. Even some items that might seem unremarkable — such as certain nicotine lozenges or nasal sprays containing controlled ingredients — may fall under UAE restrictions. Always consult the MOHAP controlled medicines list before travelling.

Is contraception available over the counter in the UAE?

Both the combined oral contraceptive pill and the progesterone-only pill are available in the UAE, but both are classified as prescription-only medicines, requiring a prior consultation with a doctor. Emergency contraception is also obtainable but similarly requires a prescription and is subject to the individual pharmacist’s discretion at the point of dispensing. Condoms and other barrier methods are sold freely over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets with no restrictions.

Are there cheaper medicine options if I am uninsured or have low income?

Partnerships between authorities and multinational pharmaceutical companies have helped make affordable medicines available to uninsured or lower-income expatriates. Choosing generic medicines over branded equivalents wherever possible can also produce meaningful cost savings. Government health cards available through DHA and MOHAP offer economical entry-level access to public healthcare at AED 100–500 per year, including subsidised medicine costs. Check directly with MOHAP or the DHA for the current details of available schemes, as these can change.

Can I use telehealth to get a prescription in the UAE?

Yes. Telehealth providers holding a licence from the DHA, DOH (Abu Dhabi), or MOHAP are fully authorised to issue prescriptions for qualifying conditions. Platforms linked to licensed UAE clinics can produce e-prescriptions that are accepted at affiliated network pharmacies, making this option particularly convenient for repeat prescriptions relating to chronic conditions. Bear in mind that controlled substances will ordinarily require an in-person clinical assessment before a prescription may be issued.