No. Absinthe containing thujone exceeding 10 mg/kg is banned under UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 3 of 1987 on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, enforced by the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Narcotics Department. The 2023 amendments to the decree explicitly classify thujone as a controlled substance, aligning with GCC-wide harmonization efforts ahead of the 2026 unified narcotics framework.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in United Arab Emirates
- Thujone Limit: Absinthe with thujone concentrations above 10 mg/kg is prohibited; only trace amounts (<10 mg/kg) are permitted under strict licensing.
- Licensing Requirement: Importers must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Economy’s Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).
- Sale Restrictions: Retail sale is confined to licensed liquor stores in designated free zones (e.g., Dubai and Abu Dhabi), with mandatory age verification for purchasers over 21.
The UAE’s stance mirrors its broader zero-tolerance policy on psychoactive substances, as outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. 34 of 2021, which mandates forensic testing of all alcoholic beverages for controlled compounds. Violations incur penalties under Federal Penal Code No. 31 of 2021, including fines up to AED 50,000 and imprisonment for unlicensed possession.