UAE drug possession penalties set under Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021

The United Arab Emirates maintains one of the world's strictest anti-narcotics regimes, with severe penalties for drug possession, use, and trafficking under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021. Understanding the legal framework is critical for residents and visitors alike, as even small quantities of controlled substances can result in imprisonment, substantial fines, deportation, and permanent entry bans. Recent amendments have introduced structured treatment and rehabilitation pathways for certain cases, but drug possession remains a high-risk offense under the law.