Do I have to declare cultural property at United Arab Emirates customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United Arab Emirates customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare cultural property in United Arab Emirates?

Under Dubai Customs Policy, 'Declaration and Inspection of Items or, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are held until you leave the country. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are confiscated.

Can I take cultural property out of United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking cultural property out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for cultural property apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) states it in Federal Law No. 11 of 2017 on Antiquities. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Antiquities shall not be exported, imported, brought into or taken out if the UAE without a license”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on cultural property?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 1 prohibit cultural property, 16 limit it and 2 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring cultural property to United Arab Emirates?

Official classification: Cultural property

Restricted

You can bring cultural property into United Arab Emirates only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Federal Law No. 11 of 2017 on Antiquities Ministry of Culture

Questions about Cultural property in United Arab Emirates

Do I have to declare cultural property at United Arab Emirates customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United Arab Emirates customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare cultural property in United Arab Emirates?: Under Dubai Customs Policy, 'Declaration and Inspection of Items or, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are held until you leave the country. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are confiscated.
Can I take cultural property out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking cultural property out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for cultural property apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) states it in Federal Law No. 11 of 2017 on Antiquities. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Antiquities shall not be exported, imported, brought into or taken out if the UAE without a license”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on cultural property?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 1 prohibit cultural property, 16 limit it and 2 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

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