Do I have to declare sharp or bladed work tools at United Arab Emirates customs?

There is nothing to declare — sharp or bladed work tools cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare sharp or bladed work tools 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 sharp or bladed work tools out of United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking sharp or bladed work tools out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for sharp or bladed work tools 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 Prohibited Items List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “tools with blades or shafts more than 6 cm capable of use as weapons, such as screwdrivers and chisels;”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on sharp or bladed work tools?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit sharp or bladed work tools, 9 limit it and 9 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Sharp or bladed work tools can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Sharp or bladed work tools into United Arab Emirates.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Prohibited Items List General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

Questions about Sharp or bladed work tools in United Arab Emirates

How many sharp or bladed work tools can I bring into United Arab Emirates?: sharp or bladed work tools may not be brought into United Arab Emirates at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare sharp or bladed work tools at United Arab Emirates customs?: There is nothing to declare — sharp or bladed work tools cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare sharp or bladed work tools 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 sharp or bladed work tools out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking sharp or bladed work tools out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for sharp or bladed work tools 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 Prohibited Items List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “tools with blades or shafts more than 6 cm capable of use as weapons, such as screwdrivers and chisels;”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on sharp or bladed work tools?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit sharp or bladed work tools, 9 limit it and 9 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

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