UAE Travel Alert: What You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Pack in Your Hand Luggage
Planning to fly out of Dubai or Sharjah? Before you zip up that cabin bag, here’s a heads-up — UAE airports have strict rules on what can and can’t be taken on board. And with Emirates banning the use of power banks on flights from October 2025, now’s a good time to double-check your packing list.
Dubai Airports – Banned in Cabin Baggage
These items will not make it past security:
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Hammers, nails, screwdrivers, sharp work tools
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Scissors with blades over 6cm
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Personal grooming tools with parts over 6cm
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Swords, knives, sharp objects
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Handcuffs, firearms, ammunition, laser guns
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Walkie talkies
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Lighters (only one allowed on your person)
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Bats, martial arts weapons, drills
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Ropes, measuring tapes, packing tapes
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Electrical cables (unless for personal trip use)
Dubai – Restricted in Cabin Baggage
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Liquids: Max 100ml per container, up to 10 containers total (1 litre)
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Medicines: Must have a doctor’s prescription
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Metal medical implants: Carry a doctor’s certificate
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Power banks:
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Allowed up to 100Wh
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Between 100–160Wh: Airline approval needed
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Above 160Wh: Not allowed
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Cannot be used during the flight
Sharjah Airport – Completely Prohibited in Cabin and Checked Baggage
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Weapons, bats, martial arts gear
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Flammable gases, liquids, solids, corrosives
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Chemical & biological agents (including hazardous powders and viruses)
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Knives with blades ≥6cm (plus hunting, souvenir, or martial arts knives)
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Oxidizers (e.g., bleach, ammonium nitrate)
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Diving tanks, fire extinguishers, compressed oxygen
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Radioactive materials
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Explosives, ammunition, fireworks
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Suspicious or dummy weapons/grenades
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Tear gas, mace, stun guns
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Organic peroxide
Sharjah – Restricted in Cabin Baggage
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Liquids: Max 100ml per bottle, in a 20×20cm resealable plastic bag, presented at security
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Medicines & baby food: Carry separately and bring proof (prescription or doctor’s note)
Travel Tip: Always check your airline’s own rules before flying — they may have extra restrictions. When in doubt, leave it out or pack it in checked baggage (if allowed).
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