Firearms 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Prohibited without government authorization
Can I bring Firearms into United Arab Emirates?
Prohibited without government authorization
Full details
The UAE Ministry of Interior prohibits civilian firearm import without a personal Federal Firearm Licence — issued only to UAE nationals after security vetting. Foreign visitors carrying firearms (including disassembled hunting rifles) face arrest at Dubai / Abu Dhabi customs under Federal Decree-Law 17 of 2018. Penalty: imprisonment from 6 months to 5 years and fine up to AED 50,000. Sport-shooting events held under FAS or Olympic federations require pre-approval from MOI's Permits Department 60 days in advance.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 50000 AED
- Imprisonment up to 60 months
- Criminal penalty
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Not permitted even in transit. UAE Federal Law on Weapons and Ammunition prohibits firearms possession by civilians. Even transit passengers at DXB with firearms in checked baggage must clear through UAE customs and obtain a temporary import permit, which is rarely granted for civilian firearms. Do not transit DXB with firearms without pre-authorisation.
Leaving United Arab Emirates with firearms
Export of firearms from United Arab Emirates requires advance authorisation issued before departure under the national firearms-control legislation. Unlicensed firearms export is a serious criminal offence carrying substantial fines and imprisonment. Even properly licensed domestic owners require the separate export authorisation for cross-border movement, and ammunition and firearm parts (barrels, receivers) fall under the same framework. Airlines additionally require advance notice and locked-case carriage in checked baggage.
Do not bring firearms to the UAE. Government authorization is not available to tourists.
Zero for tourists
Federal Law on Weapons, Firearms and Ammunition
This page covers destination customs rules in United Arab Emirates. Whether you can carry firearms through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Firearms rules in other countries
Firearms
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Strict prohibition on most firearms
Firearms
🇦🇺 Australia
Prohibited without import permit
Firearms
🇯🇵 Japan
Complete civilian ban
Firearms
🇲🇽 Mexico
Illegal to bring firearms without SEDENA permit
Firearms
🇺🇸 United States
Second Amendment; state laws vary widely
Firearms
🇨🇦 Canada
PAL required; restricted and prohibited classifications