Gun Laws in Dubai: Quick Guide for 2025

If you’re curious about guns in Dubai, you’ve probably heard that the UAE is strict about weapons. That’s true, but the rules aren’t a mystery. Below you’ll find the essential facts you need to stay on the right side of the law, whether you’re an expat, a visitor, or a resident.

Who Can Own a Firearm?

Only a small group of people can legally own a gun in Dubai. The government allows licenses for:

• UAE citizens with a clean criminal record.
• Long‑term residents who can prove a genuine need, such as security professionals or hunters.
• People working in government or private security firms with official clearance.

Tourists and short‑term visitors are not allowed to own or bring firearms into the country. Even if you have a gun licence from another country, it won’t be recognized here.

How to Get a License and Avoid Fines

Getting a gun licence in Dubai is a multi‑step process. Here’s the practical checklist:

1. Submit a formal application to the Dubai Police General Department.
2. Provide a medical report confirming you’re fit to handle a weapon.
3. Pass a background check and a written exam on safety and local regulations.
4. Attend a practical training course approved by the police.
5. Pay the licensing fee (usually several thousand AED) and wait for approval.

If any step is missed, the application is rejected, and you could face a fine of up to 5,000 AED. Keep your licence up to date – renew it every two years and report any change in address or employment.

Once you have the licence, you must store the firearm at home in an approved safe. Carrying a gun in public is only allowed while on official duty or with a special transport permit. Violating these rules can lead to imprisonment, hefty fines, or confiscation of the weapon.

There are also many weapons that are completely banned, including automatic rifles, high‑capacity magazines, and any firearm classified as a “military‑grade” weapon. Even a seemingly harmless air‑soft gun can be illegal if it looks like a real firearm.

In practice, most people in Dubai never own a gun. The city relies on professional security forces and strict policing to keep public safety high. If you’re just looking for personal safety, consider non‑lethal options like pepper spray (which also needs a permit) or a personal alarm.

Bottom line: Only a narrow slice of residents can legally own firearms, and the licensing process is thorough. Follow the steps, keep your paperwork current, and respect storage and transport rules to avoid trouble.

Got more questions about Dubai’s weapon rules? Think about talking to a legal advisor who knows local law – it saves you time and keeps you safe.