UAE Issues Federal Decree by Law No. 24 of 2025 on Industrial and Medical Use of Industrial Hemp

The UAE has issued Federal Decree by Law No. 24 of 2025 Regarding the Regulation of Industrial and Medical Use of Industrial Hemp. This law was published in the Official Gazette on 14 October 2025 and will come into force on 1 January 2026. It establishes a clear legal regime for the cultivation, import, export, manufacturing, distribution, and circulation of industrial hemp in the UAE.

What the Law Covers

Federal Decree by Law No. 24 of 2025 applies to activities involving Industrial Hemp — defined as cannabis with a total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration not exceeding 0.3 % by dry weight. Activities regulated under the law include importing, exporting, cultivating, transporting, manufacturing, and circulating industrial hemp seeds, seedlings, and products.

The law does not apply to cannabis with THC concentrations above 0.3 %, which remain regulated under the UAE’s narcotics law.

Key Legal Requirements

The law sets out clear rules and conditions for all licensed activities:

Licensing and Permits:
• Any person or company wishing to import, export, cultivate, manufacture, transport, or distribute industrial hemp must obtain a License from the competent Licensing Authority.
• Import and export activities require additional permits from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and local authorities.
• Licenses must be renewed annually, and the holder must adhere to all rules and reporting requirements.

Cultivation:
Industrial hemp cultivation can only take place on land designated by the local authority. Licensed areas must be secure and clearly marked. Cultivation must be conducted in compliance with safety, security, and crop health standards.

Manufacturing:
Factories producing industrial hemp products must meet strict conditions, including quality systems, certified laboratories, and separate production zones. The THC content in all products must always remain below the permitted 0.3 %.

Transportation:
Transport of industrial hemp seeds and seedlings requires approval from local authorities. Cross-emirate transportation requires approvals from all concerned local authorities and must meet tracking and security requirements.

Circulation and Product Identification

Industrial hemp products may only be circulated (sold, bought, marketed, stored, exported, etc.) if the Licensee complies with labelling requirements. This includes displaying the Industrial Hemp Symbol, license number, product content, THC percentage, and health information in Arabic and English.

Advertising of industrial hemp products is allowed only after obtaining approval from the Licensing Authority and media regulators.

Control, Supervision, and Record-Keeping

The law requires Licensees and authorities to maintain an electronic register of industrial hemp activities, including data on seeds, seedlings, products, and licenses. All records must be kept for at least five (5) years.

Licensing Authorities and other federal and local authorities are empowered to inspect and supervise all aspects of industrial hemp activities to ensure compliance with the law and related regulations.

Penalties and Enforcement

Federal Decree by Law No. 24 of 2025 introduces both administrative sanctions and criminal penalties:

Administrative Sanctions include warnings, fines of up to AED 1,000,000 for violations, temporary suspension of licenses, and revocation of permits. Recidivist offenders may face doubled fines of up to AED 2,000,000.

Criminal Penalties apply for serious violations, such as practicing hemp activities without a license, transporting seeds or seedlings without approvals, exceeding licensed quantities, or failing to report THC concentrations above the permitted threshold. Convictions may result in imprisonment for not less than three (3) months and fines of not less than AED 100,000.

Offenders are also subject to confiscation of the industrial hemp items involved.

Implementation and Next Steps

The law’s Executive Regulations will be issued by Cabinet resolution within six (6) months of the law’s entry into force. These regulations will detail the specific procedures, controls, timelines, and standards for carrying out industrial hemp activities.

Federal and local authorities may also issue resolutions to specify violations and administrative penalties, and determine which authorities may collect fines.

Conclusion

Federal Decree by Law No. 24 of 2025 represents a comprehensive legal regime for industrial and medical uses of industrial hemp in the UAE. By clearly defining licensing requirements, activity controls, and penalties, the law enables the development of a regulated industrial hemp sector while safeguarding public safety and ensuring THC limits are respected.