Can You Bring Pork into Dubai? A Guide for Travelers

Dubai is a popular travel destination that attracts visitors from around the world with its mega malls luxurious hotels and lively nightlife. However, many visitors wonder if they can bring pork products into Dubai, since the United Arab Emirates follows Islamic law which prohibits pork consumption. Here is a comprehensive guide on whether you can bring pork into Dubai and how to navigate the rules as a traveler.

An Overview of Pork Import Rules in the UAE

The UAE adheres to Islamic Sharia law which deems pork to be haram (forbidden). As such, importing pork into the country is regulated. According to the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), individuals are prohibited from bringing pork products into the country for personal use. Meanwhile, pork can be imported by licensed food outlets and hotels in limited quantities to serve expat customers.

Fines and Penalties for Bringing Pork into Dubai

If pork products are found in your luggage by customs officials at Dubai International Airport, you may face fines or have the items confiscated. Travelers have reported fines ranging from AED 200 to 2000 ($55 to $550 USD) for possessing small amounts of pork sausages, ham sandwiches, or other products Larger quantities of pork intended for resale may lead to harsher penalties It’s best not to attempt bringing any pork into Dubai.

Tips from Travelers Who’ve Brought Pork into Dubai

Some travelers have managed to bring small amounts of pork products into Dubai without issue. However, they do not recommend taking the risk. Here are some of their tips:

Place pork in checked luggage, not your carry-on. Pork may be discovered more easily in hand baggage.
Disguise the pork product’s scent by double wrapping in plastic or storing with strong smelling foods like cheese or coffee grounds.
Bring pre-cooked items like canned ham rather than raw pork which has a stronger odor.
Pack pork in your luggage’s interior pockets, not the main compartment where it’s easily visible if inspected.
Travel with someone who is not Muslim and have them be the owner of the pork if questioned.

Can You Buy Pork in Dubai?

While individual import is banned, some outlets in Dubai are licensed to sell pork to non-Muslim residents and tourists, including:

Licensed grocery stores – Spinney’s, Waitrose, and Choithrams sell pork sections with bacon, sausages, cold cuts and more.
Hotels – International hotels and resorts like Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, and Armani Hotel have pork dishes on their menus and sell packaged pork at gift shops.
Nightclubs – Some clubs aimed at expatriates discreetly offer pork products like hot dogs and pork pâté.

So visitors who truly wish to consume pork in Dubai do have options. However, availability is limited compared to other meats. Prices are also markedly higher than back home.

Enjoying Dubai While Avoiding Pork

Don’t let the pork prohibition deter you from visiting Dubai. This cosmopolitan city offers visitors a world of experiences beyond food. Immerse yourself in local Arabic culture, shop and dine at world-class malls, enjoy waterparks and theme parks, or escape to the desert for dune bashing. Dubai’s culinary scene also encompasses amazing halal dishes from Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian, and international cuisines.

With proper planning and respect for local laws, you can have an incredible trip to Dubai without the need for prohibited pork products. Just leave the ham sandwiches and sausages at home. Focus instead on the region’s many unique flavors and unforgettable attractions. You may find surprising new favorite foods and come home understanding Islamic culture just a little bit better.

can you bring pork into dubai

Banned and restricted goods

The UAE Government bans the entry of certain goods and restricts some others. Banned/prohibited goods are those whose import and export is banned under the Common Customs Law of the GCC States (PDF, 567 KB), or any other law or regulation applicable in the UAE.

Importing and exporting restricted goods is limited by the law and rules that apply. These goods need to be approved by the relevant authorities before they can be brought in or sent out.

Banned items include, but are not limited to:

controlled/recreational drugs and narcotic substances
pirated content
counterfeit currency
items used in black magic, witchcraft or sorcery
Books and artwork that go against or question Islamic values and teachings
gambling tools and machines.

Restricted items

The following list outlines restricted goods along with their respective controlling authorities:

Item	Controlling authority
Live animals, plants, fertilizers, and pesticides	Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Weapons, ammunition, explosives and fireworks	Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Ministry of Interior
Medicines, drugs, and medical equipment, devices and tools	Ministry of Health and Prevention
Media publications and products	Ministry of Culture and Youth
Nuclear energy products	Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation
Transmission and wireless devices	Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority
Alcoholic drinks	Ministry of Interior/ Dubai Police
Cosmetics and personal care products eCigarettes and electronic hookah	Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology
New vehicle tyres

Find more information on banned and restricted commodities:

PORK IN DUBAI, ALLOWED OR NOT ALLOWED?

FAQ

Is it illegal to bring pork to Dubai?

“Pork is banned in UAE.” No. Supermarkets sell pork in a special, restricted section. In restaurants, pork is served in restricted sections as well (e.g. pork bacon for breakfast). Even bringing with you pork sausages into the UAE for private consumption (small quantities) is no problem.

What food items are not allowed in Dubai?

You are also prohibited from carrying betel leaves, home-cooked food, and non-vegetarian food items into Dubai.

Can tourists eat pork in Dubai?

Pork is haram (forbidden) for Muslims, however it is not forbidden for Non-Muslims in the UAE to consume it. Of course there are certain guidelines to follow to respect cultural sensitivities, but you need not worry about forgoing bacon and other pork dishes during your stay in the emirates.

What is not allowed to bring into Dubai?

Banned Items All kinds of Narcotic drugs (Hashish, Cocaine, Heroin, Poppy Seeds, Hallucination Pills, etc..). Goods intended to be imported from boycotted countries. Crude Ivory and Rhinoceros horn. Gambling tools and machineries.

Is bringing pork into Dubai illegal?

Bringing pork into Dubai is illegal. UAE takes drug offences extremely seriously. In fact, there is zero tolerance for it. For example, the consumption, possession, trafficking or smuggling of drugs is severely punished and punishment includes death sentence.

Can you eat pork in Dubai?

Apart from pork, pornography, or any videos, magazines and pictures that may be judged pornographic are considered unacceptable and so should not be consumed or utilized in Dubai and UAE as a whole. Bringing pork into Dubai is illegal. UAE takes drug offences extremely seriously. In fact, there is zero tolerance for it.

How is pork stored in Dubai?

Pork is usually stored separately from other foods, either through a designated section or stored entirely. Though pork consumption among non-Muslim communities in Dubai is not publicly stigmatized, and there are specialty stores or online retailers that offer pork products, it’s important to remember the city’s laws and customs.

Can foreigners eat pork in the UAE?

Although pork is forbidden in Muslim culture, foreign nationals living in the UAE are not deprived of it. While some supermarkets, such as Carrefour, do not sell pork products, there are still plenty of other places to get them.