Traveling to Dubai in 2025? Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or a long transit through DXB, understanding the Dubai Airport prohibited items and the list of banned items in Dubai Airport is essential. Dubai is one of the world’s busiest hubs – but also one of the strictest when it comes to airport security, cultural restrictions, and UAE customs regulations. If you’re planning activities while in the city, check our Top Things to Do in Dubai: Tours, Tickets, Attractions & Deals (2025 Guide) for inspiration and planning.
To ensure a smooth journey, this guide from Dubai City Tourism explains everything not allowed in hand luggage and checked baggage, including the list of banned food items in Dubai Airport, Dubai Airport restricted items, dangerous goods, medicines, and travel rules for tourists in 2025.
This updated article also integrates the full DXB prohibited items list 2025, Emirates and Flydubai baggage rules, UAE customs limits (see the official passenger guide from Dubai Customs), and answers the most searched questions like:
- “What items are banned in Dubai Airport?”
- “Can you take food through airport security Dubai?”
- “Does Dubai Airport allow power banks?”
- “What is not allowed in hand luggage at Dubai Airport?”
Let’s break everything down clearly – so you don’t face delays, fines, or confiscations.
Why Are Dubai Airport Rules So Strict?
Dubai International Airport (DXB) handles millions of passengers yearly. To maintain safety and respect Islamic values, Dubai enforces strict controls on prohibited items, dangerous goods, banned food items, and restricted materials. For the latest government-level guidance, consult the official Dubai Customs passenger guide (PDF).
These rules apply across:
- Dubai Airport terminals
- Dubai Airport hand baggage
- Checked luggage
- Transit passengers
- UAE customs inspections
The UAE also updates its Dubai Airport security rules regularly, which is why the Dubai Airport prohibited items list 2025 is more detailed than ever.
Dubai Airport Banned Items List (Hand Luggage & Checked Bags)
Below is the updated list of banned items in Dubai Airport applicable to all airlines including Emirates, Flydubai, and international carriers.
1. Drugs & Narcotics – 100% Prohibited
- Morphine
- Tramadol
- Codeine
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Ketamine
- Any restricted psychotropic substance
Possession leads to arrest and prosecution.
2. Weapons & Ammunition
- Guns, stun guns, tasers
- Knives, daggers, martial arts weapons
- Ammunition and firearm components
- Pepper spray
3. Flammable & Hazardous Items
- Fireworks
- Spray paints
- Fuel-powered tools
- Lighters shaped like weapons
4. Lithium-powered Devices (Strict Rules Apply)
- Hoverboards
- Segways
- Scooters
- Oversized/powerful lithium batteries
These fall under Dubai Airport dangerous goods list and are often banned unless approved.
5. Sharp Tools
- Scissors longer than 6 cm
- Screwdrivers, drills, hammers
- Blades of any type
These are part of Dubai Airport hand baggage banned items.
6. Communication & Surveillance Equipment
- Walkie-talkies
- GPS trackers
- Spy cameras
- Signal jammers
7. Culturally Sensitive Materials
- Items disrespecting Islam
- Offensive artwork or materials
- Pornographic content
Liquids, Gels & Aerosols Policy (Hand Luggage)
Dubai follows standard international rules:
- Max 100 ml per container
- Total 1 liter inside a transparent bag
- Medication, baby milk, and dietary liquids are exceptions
These are part of Dubai Airport carry-on restrictions and apply to all passengers in 2025.
Dubai Airport Prohibited Medicines List (Important!)
Many travellers get in trouble because they bring medicines that fall under prohibited items in Dubai Airport. Controlled medicines include:
- Tramadol
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Etorphine
- Risperidone
- Thiofentanyl
- Alpha-methylfentanyl
If you’re wondering “Can I carry medicines to Dubai Airport?” — yes, but only with:
- A doctor’s prescription
- Online approval from UAE Ministry of Health
List of Banned Food Items in Dubai Airport
Food rules are often overlooked but equally strict. The list of banned food items in Dubai Airport and Many tourists don’t realize that food rules are strict.
Here is the list of banned food items in Dubai Airport:
- Pork or pork-based food
- Poppy seeds (completely prohibited)
- Homemade food not commercially packed
- Unlabeled food
- Fermented items with alcohol traces
This aligns with UAE customs banned items 2025.
Permitted Food Items (With Limits)
Allowed (within personal quantities):
- 10 kg of fruits, vegetables, seafood
- 100 kg dates
- 10 kg baby food
- 25 kg canned food
- 20 kg syrups
- 5 kg powdered juice
If you’re asking “Can you take food through airport security Dubai?” → Yes, if it’s commercially packed and non-restricted.
Items Requiring Permits
Some Dubai Airport restricted items require prior approval:
- Oxygen cylinders
- Fertilizers
- Chemicals
- Live animals
- Security equipment
- High-capacity lithium batteries
- E-cigarettes & vaping liquid
FAQ: “Are vape and e-cigarettes allowed in Dubai Airport?”
→ Yes, but only in checked baggage, NOT hand luggage.
Emirates Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage
Emirates prohibited items in checked baggage include explosives, fireworks, hoverboards, and Emirates strictly follows:
- No fireworks
- No lithium scooters
- No flammables
- No explosive materials
Detailed baggage policies and size/weight allowances are listed on Emirates’ site – refer to Emirates checked baggage rules for specifics.
Emirates Cabin Baggage Allowance
Is laptop included in 7kg hand luggage Emirates? → Yes.
Economy: 7 kg
Business/First: 14 kg (two bags)
Flydubai Hand Luggage Restrictions
Flydubai’s allowances are also strict. Typical allowances:
- Economy: 1 bag up to 7 kg
- Business: 2 bags, 14 kg combined
- Size maximum: 56 x 45 x 25 cm
FAQ: “How much per kg excess baggage Flydubai international?”FAQ: “How much per kg excess baggage Flydubai international?”
→ Around $12–15 per kg depending on the route.
For exact policy and fees, link to Flydubai baggage rules.
Dubai Airport Security Screening Checklist (2025)
A quick guide covering all Dubai Airport security rules:
✔ Allowed in Hand Luggage
- Power banks (only up to IATA-approved capacity)
- Baby food
- Small medical devices
✘ Not Allowed (Frequently Confiscated)
- Knives, tools, sharp items
- Vape liquids
- Large batteries
- Spray cans
- Oversize liquids
This directly covers the highly searched keyword:
“What is not allowed in hand luggage at Dubai Airport?”
Dubai Airport Customs Rules for Tourists
Updated Dubai Airport customs declaration rules 2025 include:
- Cash allowed: AED 60,000 per person
- Duty-free limits:
- 400 cigarettes
- 50 cigars
- 500g tobacco
- 4 liters alcohol
- Gifts under AED 3,000
FAQ: “What items are restricted in checked-in baggage Dubai Airport?”
→ Hazardous items, chemicals, sharp tools, restricted electronics.
Dubai Airport Travel Guide for Tourists (Extra Tips)
Tourists should also know:
- Dubai Airport terminal rules
- Dubai Airport arrivals rules
- Dubai Airport departures checklist
- Dubai travel restrictions 2025
- What to pack for Dubai 2025
- Dubai packing guide
- Dubai airport travel essentials
These improve compliance and reduce last-minute delays.
FAQs about Dubai Airport Banned Items
1. What items are banned in Dubai Airport?
Drugs, narcotics, weapons, fireworks, offensive materials, poppy seeds, hoverboards, lithium scooters, large tools, and certain medicines.
2. What items are banned in hand luggage at Dubai Airport?
Sharp tools, liquids over 100 ml, flammables, vapes, weapons, batteries beyond limits.
3. Does Dubai Airport allow power banks?
Yes, in hand luggage only, and within approved watt-hours.
4. Can I bring food to Dubai Airport?
Yes, but no pork, homemade food, or poppy seeds.
5. Are medicines allowed in Dubai Airport?
Yes, but controlled medicines need prescriptions and UAE MOH approval.
Conclusion
Understanding the Dubai Airport prohibited items, Dubai Airport restricted items, and the complete list of banned items in Dubai Airport will help you avoid delays, fines, or confiscations. Whether it’s food, medicines, electronics, or duty-free items – this guide ensures a stress-free airport experience.
