Buying GLP-1 medicines in the UAE: EDE permits and travel

Apply through the current EDE personal medicine service

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) runs the personal medicine import permit service. MOHAP has announced the transfer of selected services to EDE, including this permit. Use the current service page to check whether your medicine and circumstances need an application, which documents you need and what quantity limits apply. A permit process for controlled medicines does not make every GLP-1 medicine controlled.

Prepare documents that describe your treatment

The EDE service asks for medical documents naming the patient, diagnosis and treatment plan, including the medicine, dose, dosage form and duration. Ask your prescriber for a clear document that matches the packaging you will carry. Check how recent the document must be and whether it needs certification under the current service instructions. A generic letter saying you take medication will not answer the product-specific questions the authority asks.

Arrange local care and payment one at a time

For a UAE prescription, find the locally licensed clinical service and the dispensing pharmacy. Ask which local product record covers the brand and formulation on offer. If you have insurance, confirm cover for your specific indication. A diabetes benefit does not automatically cover weight management. If you pay privately, ask for medicine, consultation and follow-up charges itemised, and read the cancellation and refund terms.

Plan for heat and onward travel

Long transfers, outdoor heat and hotel storage all need a plan for your specific product. Ask the pharmacist how to protect your tablet or injection. Air-conditioned rooms do not guarantee correct storage for the whole trip. The UAE is a common transit point, so confirm whether you will stay airside or enter the country, and check your next destination's rules as well. Keep any permit correspondence with your prescription and original packaging.

Check the product with UAE regulators before you buy

Confirm the exact product and its approved use with the Emirates Drug Establishment before buying Mounjaro, Wegovy injection, Wegovy tablets or Foundayo. Approval, clinical suitability, insurance cover, stock and the import permit each need their own answer.

• Ask a clinician in the UAE which product suits you and whether your treatment history is enough for an assessment.
• Ask for the total cost, covering consultations, dispensing and delivery, before you commit to ongoing treatment.
• Keep the original packaging, the prescription and the dispensing record. Speak to a pharmacist about any damaged parcel or uncertain storage before use.