Firearms → United Arab Emirates

Prohibited without government authorization

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.

Quantity limit

Zero for tourists

Legal reference

Federal Law on Weapons, Firearms and Ammunition

Transit

Transit not permitted. 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.

Practical advice

Do not bring firearms to the UAE. Government authorization is not available to tourists.

Customs authority

Federal Customs Authority (FCA) · https://www.fca.gov.ae