Dubai may be known for its luxury, beaches, and nightlife, but the UAE is also an Islamic country with strict cultural rules. Just as you’ll need to understand the Drinking Age in Dubai (2025 Update): Rules, Fines & Tourist Guide, you must also know the Dubai Airport hand luggage prohibited items before traveling. Ignoring these rules can result in delays, fines, or even legal action.

This comprehensive guide from Dubai City Tourism covers the Dubai Airport banned items list PDF, Emirates prohibited items in checked baggage, Flydubai hand luggage restrictions, Dubai Customs rules for tourists, and even list of banned food items in Dubai Airport.

Why Are Dubai Airport Rules So Strict?

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world’s busiest hubs, serving millions of international passengers each year. To maintain safety and respect UAE culture, authorities enforce detailed regulations – from hand luggage rules Dubai Airport economy class to Dubai airport security check prohibited items PDF.

Like the Drinking Age in Dubai guide, these regulations are about balancing modern tourism with local traditions.

Dubai Airport Banned Items List (Hand Luggage & Checked Bags)

The Dubai Airport banned items list includes items that are dangerous, offensive, or restricted in Islamic countries:

• Drugs & Narcotics: heroin, cocaine, morphine, tramadol, codeine (strictly banned).
• Weapons & Ammunition: guns, flare guns, knives, martial arts items.
• Motorized Devices: hoverboards, Segways, scooters with lithium batteries.
• Sharp Objects: scissors >6 cm, screwdrivers, hammers, drills.
• Miscellaneous: walkie-talkies, laser guns, ropes, packing tape, handcuffs.
• Illegal Trade Items: ivory, rhino horns, counterfeit currency.
• Cultural/Religious Restrictions: any material mocking Islam or UAE beliefs.

This information is updated in the Dubai Airport banned items list PDF, available on the UAE Customs website.

Dubai Airport Hand Luggage Prohibited Medicines List

Just as alcohol has strict limits (see Drinking Age in Dubai (2025 Update): Rules, Fines & Tourist Guide), many medicines are controlled in the UAE.

Prohibited medicines at Dubai Airport include:

• Tramadol
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Ketamine
• Risperidone
• Etorphine
• Alpha-methylifentanyl
• Thiofentanyl

Carrying these without permits can result in confiscation or arrest. Always:

1. Carry a doctor’s prescription.
2. Apply for a permit from the UAE Ministry of Health.
3. Limit dosage to your stay.

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 list of banned food items in UAE from India include:

• Pork and pork-based products.
• Poppy seeds (considered narcotic-related).
• Home-cooked meals or unpackaged food.

The list of banned food items in Dubai PDF is useful for international travelers.

Permitted Food Items (With Limits)

Travellers may bring:

• 10 kg fruits, vegetables, seafood.
• 100 kg of dates (very popular as gifts).
• 10 kg baby food or dietary products.
• 20 kg syrups.
• 25 kg canned foods.
• 5 kg juice concentrates.

Tip: Dates are often carried in bulk – check Dubai airport luggage bag rules to avoid oversize baggage charges.

Items Requiring Permits

Some restricted items may be carried with approval:

• Lithium batteries and devices.
• Security equipment, oxygen cylinders.
• Fireworks and explosives.
• Fertilizers, live animals.
• E-cigarettes, electronic hookah.

Permits must be obtained from the UAE Ministry of Health, Ministry of Climate Change, or relevant authority.

Emirates Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

Emirates prohibited items in checked baggage include explosives, fireworks, hoverboards, and flammables.

Emirates baggage allowance international:

• Economy: 1 cabin bag, 7 kg.
• Business/First: 2 cabin bags, 7 kg each.
• Is laptop included in 7kg hand luggage Emirates? Yes, laptops count within the weight limit.

This is similar to alcohol rules – just like the Drinking Age in Dubai guide, weight and size restrictions are non-negotiable.

Flydubai Hand Luggage Restrictions

Flydubai hand luggage restrictions international:

• Economy: 1 bag up to 7 kg, plus handbag/laptop bag.
• Business: 2 bags, 14 kg combined.
• Flydubai hand baggage size: 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
• Flydubai hand baggage weight: strictly enforced.
• How much per kg excess baggage Flydubai international? Approx. $12-15/kg.

Flydubai hand luggage restrictions from Pakistan are closely monitored, especially for banned items in UAE from India.

Dubai Airport Hand Luggage Restrictions & Sharp Objects Policy

The Dubai Airport sharp objects policy PDF clearly bans:

• Scissors, knives, screwdrivers, drills.
• Martial arts weapons, bats, hammers.
• Laser guns, ropes, compressed gas cylinders.

Liquids Policy:

• Max 100 ml per container.
• Total 1 liter in resealable bag.
• Exceptions: medication, baby milk, dietary liquids.

These apply to hand luggage rules Dubai Airport economy class and hand luggage rules Dubai Airport international flights.

Dubai Customs Rules for Tourists

According to Dubai Airport customs prohibited items PDF:

• Duty-Free Allowance: Gifts under AED 3,000.
• Cash: Under AED 60,000.
• Tobacco: 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 500 g tobacco.
• Alcohol: 4 liters or 2 cartons of beer (24 cans).

Note: Alcohol rules align with UAE’s cultural stance – see our Drinking Age in Dubai (2025 Update): Rules, Fines & Tourist Guide for more context.

Dubai Airport Luggage Bag Rules & Storage

Dubai Airport luggage bag rules:

• Bags must have at least one flat surface.
• No long straps or irregular parcels.
• Max size: 90 x 75 x 60 cm.

For travellers with connecting flights, luggage storage Dubai Airport Terminal 3 offers daily and long-term luggage storage Dubai Airport options.

FAQs about Dubai Airport Banned Items

What items are banned in hand luggage at Dubai Airport?
Drugs, weapons, hoverboards, walkie-talkies, sharp tools, and flammable items.

Can I bring food in hand luggage?
Yes, but pork, poppy seeds, and home-cooked meals are banned. See the list of banned food items in Dubai Airport PDF.

Are medicines allowed?
Some are banned. Check the list of banned medicines in Dubai Airport, carry prescriptions, and get a permit.

What is Emirates baggage allowance international?
Economy: 7 kg hand baggage. Business/First: 14 kg. Is laptop included in 7kg hand luggage Emirates? Yes.

What is Flydubai hand baggage allowance?
Economy: 7 kg. Business: 14 kg. Flydubai baggage allowance economy class international also allows 20–30 kg checked bags.

Can I carry alcohol to Dubai?
Yes, up to 4 liters. For legal limits, check our Drinking Age in Dubai (2025 Update): Rules, Fines & Tourist Guide.

Does Dubai Airport have luggage storage?
Yes, Dubai Airport luggage storage price depends on bag size and duration.

Conclusion

Traveling through DXB is smooth if you understand the Dubai Airport hand luggage prohibited items list, the list of banned food items in Dubai Airport, and the Emirates prohibited items in checked baggage. By following Dubai Airport customs rules for tourists, you’ll avoid fines and delays.

At Dubai City Tourism, we help travellers with more than just airport tips. Once you’re through customs, explore our guides like:

• Things to Do in Dubai for Free – Budget-Friendly Activities
• Top Things to Do in Dubai: Tours, Tickets, Attractions & Deals [2025 Guide]
• Exploring Dubai Tourism: Beaches, Adventures & Cultural Wonders
• Select Fun Places To Go in Dubai
• Best Time to Visit Dubai in 2025 – Weather by Month, Travel Tips, and Cheapest Months to Go

And remember – just as you follow Drinking Age in Dubai (2025 Update): Rules, Fines & Tourist Guide, following Dubai Airport rules ensures a stress-free UAE experience.