Dexamfetamine in the UAE: EDE Permit and Import Rules

Dexamfetamine is a controlled substance in the UAE. Bring an EDE permit and doctor's letter before you travel.

Quick reference

Drug class: CNS stimulant
Controlled substance: Yes, controlled under UAE Federal Decree No. 14 of 1995 (narcotics and psychotropics)
Prescription required: Yes
Available locally: No confirmed local brand registered in the UAE. Bring your full supply.
Storage: Room temperature, below 25°C. Protect from heat and direct sunlight.
Max supply to carry: 30-day personal supply maximum with prior EDE approval and valid documentation
Key document: EDE import permit plus original prescribing doctor's letter in English and Arabic
Emergency alternative: Contact your embassy for urgent medical referral; do not attempt to source locally without documented authorisation.

Taking dexamfetamine to the UAE: what you need to know

Dexamfetamine, sold globally as Dexedrine and Zenzedi in North America, Amfexa in the UK and Ireland, and Attentin in Germany, is a controlled substance under UAE Federal Decree No. 14 of 1995^[1]. No local brand is currently registered for sale in UAE pharmacies, which means you must bring your entire supply with advance written authorisation from the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE). The UAE's extreme summer heat (which regularly exceeds 45°C outdoors) adds an additional storage challenge for travellers.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation.

Before you travel

Documentation for travelling to the UAE with dexamfetamine

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) requires travellers carrying controlled psychotropic medications to obtain prior written approval before entering the UAE^[2]. Your application must include your original prescription, a doctor's letter on clinic letterhead, and a completed EDE medication import form. Without this approval, customs officers are entitled to confiscate your supply at the border. See our ADHD in UAE travel guide for the complete import documentation process.

Pre-travel paperwork timeline

T-30 days
Book an appointment with your prescriber to renew your prescription and request a formal doctor's letter confirming your diagnosis, medication name (INN and brand), dose, frequency, and duration of treatment.Prescriber letter
T-14 days
Submit your EDE medication import application online via the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention portal. Attach your prescription, doctor's letter, and a copy of your passport. Processing typically takes 5–10 working days.EDE import permit
Apply at mohap.gov.ae or through the EDE portal. Keep your application reference number. Processing is 5–10 working days; allow more time during public holidays.
T-7 days
Arrange a certified Arabic translation of your doctor's letter. Some UAE customs officers request bilingual documentation; an English-only letter may cause delays.Translated letter
T-1 day
Print all documents, including the EDE approval, original prescription, and translated doctor's letter. Keep medication in original pharmacy packaging with the dispensing label visible. Do not transfer tablets to an unmarked container.
T-0 (border)
Declare your medication proactively at the UAE customs declaration desk. Present your EDE permit and doctor's letter together. Do not pack controlled medication deep inside checked luggage where it is not immediately accessible.

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What your doctor's letter must include

Full legal name, medication name (INN: dexamfetamine; brand: Dexedrine or Amfexa), prescribed dose and frequency, total quantity being carried, diagnosis (condition name only), doctor's signature and professional registration number, and clinic letterhead with contact details. For the UAE, include a certified Arabic translation alongside the English original.

An Arabic translation is strongly recommended but not formally required by all UAE entry points. Notarisation is not required, but the document must carry the original doctor's signature and clinic stamp. A photocopy or screenshot is not acceptable.

How much dexamfetamine to bring

The EDE permits a personal supply of up to 30 days for controlled psychotropic medications^[2]. Because dexamfetamine is not registered in UAE pharmacies, you cannot obtain a local refill if you run short. Bring the full quantity you need for your entire stay, and build in a small buffer for flight delays or an extended trip.

Split your supply

Carry your primary supply in your hand luggage and place a small backup dose in your checked baggage. If one bag is lost or delayed, you retain access to your medication. Keep both portions in original pharmacy packaging with dispensing labels intact.

Packing and storing dexamfetamine for travel

Dexamfetamine tablets should be stored below 25°C and away from direct sunlight and humidity^[4]. Keep tablets in original blister packs or pharmacy bottles; do not transfer to unsealed pouches. During long layovers in hot climates, store your bag in air-conditioned spaces rather than leaving it in a warm vehicle or outdoor lounge.

At the airport and border

Airport security with dexamfetamine

Carry your medication in your hand luggage so it remains with you throughout the journey. Dexamfetamine tablets do not require any liquid exemption at security screening. Keep the pharmacy-labelled packaging in a transparent zip-lock bag for ease of inspection. If a security officer asks about the medication, present your doctor's letter and EDE permit calmly; do not remove tablets from their original packaging unless specifically instructed.

Customs and medication import rules for the UAE

The UAE classifies dexamfetamine under Federal Decree No. 14 of 1995 on narcotics and psychotropics^[3]. Travellers must declare controlled medications at the customs desk on arrival and present the EDE-issued import permit alongside the original prescription^[2]. Failure to declare or to carry the required documentation can result in confiscation of the medication and potential legal proceedings.

Controlled substance warning

Dexamfetamine is a controlled psychotropic substance under UAE law. Importing it without a valid EDE permit and supporting prescription is a criminal offence, regardless of your country of origin or the legitimacy of your prescription. Always obtain written EDE approval at least 14 days before travel and carry the original approval document, not a copy.

While in country

Dexamfetamine availability in the UAE

Brands of dexamfetamine registered in the UAE

Brand name	Indication	Formulation	Supply note
No registered brand	Not applicable	Not applicable	Dexamfetamine is not registered for sale in UAE pharmacies. Bring your full supply from home.

Dexamfetamine, including the Dexedrine and Amfexa brands, is not registered with the Emirates Drug Establishment for dispensing in UAE pharmacies^[2]. This means no pharmacy in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate can legally supply it, even with a valid local prescription. Plan your entire trip supply before departure; there is no in-country fallback.

Finding a doctor who can prescribe dexamfetamine in the UAE

Because dexamfetamine is not registered in the UAE, a local psychiatrist cannot legally prescribe or dispense it. Private hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including American Hospital Dubai and Mediclinic, employ English-speaking psychiatrists who can provide supporting documentation or liaise with your home prescriber. Consultation fees typically range from AED 500 to AED 1,000 (~$136 / ~€125 to ~$272 / ~€250). For a broader overview of the UAE's private healthcare system, see the UAE travel guide.

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Storing dexamfetamine while in the UAE

Dexamfetamine tablets are stable at room temperature, but the manufacturer specifies storage below 25°C in a dry place away from heat^[4]. UAE outdoor temperatures exceed 45°C from June to September, and parked vehicles can reach significantly higher internal temperatures. Store your medication in the coolest part of your hotel room, away from windows, and never leave it in a bag in direct sunlight or in a vehicle. As noted in the UAE hypertension travel guide, the UAE's extreme summer heat creates specific medication storage challenges that apply equally here.

Emergencies

What to do if something goes wrong with your dexamfetamine in the UAE

If your medication is lost or stolen, file a police report immediately at the nearest station. Keep a copy of your EDE permit and prescription stored separately (such as in a cloud document or your Nomedic record) so you can present proof of legitimate ownership to authorities.

If you run out of dexamfetamine, contact your embassy or consulate as a first step. Because the medication is not available in UAE pharmacies, there is no in-country dispensing pathway for this controlled substance^[5]. Your embassy can help identify English-speaking psychiatrists who may be able to provide a bridging clinical assessment and liaise with your home prescriber.

“أنا بحاجة إلى دواء دكساميفيتامين | لدي وصفة طبية لهذا الدواء | من فضلك اتصل بطبيب | أين أقرب صيدلية؟”

I need dexamfetamine medication | I have a prescription for this medication | Please call a doctor | Where is the nearest pharmacy?

The UAE emergency number is 999 for police and 998 for ambulance. For non-emergency urgent care, most private hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi operate 24-hour emergency departments with English-speaking staff.

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Frequently asked questions

Is dexamfetamine legal in the UAE?

Dexamfetamine is not registered in the UAE and is controlled as an amphetamine class stimulant, so you must hold prior written approval from the Emirates Drug Establishment before you travel, with a prescribing doctor's letter in English and Arabic. The UAE's declaration to the INCB allows a supply covering your stay up to a maximum of three months and lists no outright prohibited substances, but approvals for the amphetamine class are not reliably granted. Never travel on a foreign prescription alone, because unlicensed possession is a serious criminal offence.

Can I bring dexamfetamine into the UAE?

Yes, but only with advance written authorisation from the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE). You must apply for an EDE import permit before you travel, with a maximum 30-day supply^[2]. Arriving without the permit, even with a valid prescription, can result in confiscation.

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with dexamfetamine to the UAE?

Yes, a doctor's letter on clinic letterhead is a required component of your EDE import application. The letter must include your full name, the medication's INN (dexamfetamine) and brand name, dose, frequency, quantity, your diagnosis, and the prescriber's registration number. An Arabic translation is strongly recommended alongside the English version.

How do I apply for an EDE permit to bring dexamfetamine into the UAE?

Submit your application through the EDE portal at the Emirates Drug Establishment website at least 14 days before travel^[2]. Attach your original prescription, your doctor's letter, and a copy of your passport. Processing typically takes 5–10 working days.

Is dexamfetamine available in UAE pharmacies?

No. Dexamfetamine, including the Dexedrine and Amfexa brands, is not registered with the Emirates Drug Establishment and cannot be legally dispensed in UAE pharmacies. You must bring your full supply from your home country.

What if I run out of dexamfetamine while in the UAE?

There is no in-country dispensing pathway for dexamfetamine in the UAE. If you run short, contact your embassy or consulate and a private psychiatrist at a hospital such as American Hospital Dubai. They can provide clinical documentation to support an emergency supply request through your home prescriber.

Is Dexedrine available in the UAE?

Dexedrine, the North American brand name for dexamfetamine, is not registered in the UAE and is not available in local pharmacies. Travellers who take Dexedrine, Amfexa (used in the UK and Ireland), or any other dexamfetamine product must bring their complete supply and obtain prior EDE approval before arrival.