Since the new requirement to register and get approval for medications when travelling to UAE, is there some experience here ? It seems to me, if I understand all correctly, that only the medications on these lists need to be registered:
https://www.mohap.gov.ae/Files/MOH_S...deline.pdf.pdf
https://www.mohap.gov.ae/Files/MOH_S...4-2019.pdf.pdf

If the medication I travel with are not on those two PDF then I would have nothing to do (except take a copy of prescription and the original packaging with me), including at customs/immigration. Does recent experiences agree with this ?

Nothing is required. Just bring along a copy of the prescription documentation/order/receipt, whatever your pharmacy or doctor gives you. I carry the info with me no matter where I travel to. Just in the event of an emergency, you'll have all the information to provide to some one. I've been in and out of Dubai numerous times, still in Dubai now, and not once have they ever looked at my medications or supplements. I carry a full shopping bag full of all kinds of vitamins and a few prescriptions that will last all my travels, 90+ days and not one country I've been to asked about them. I stock pile them off Amazon U.S. because they're cheaper than buying anywhere else I travel. Even cheaper than the Amazon in Dubai (UAE).

Don't worry you'll be fine.

Thanks, that is re-assuring.

You're welcome 😊 Also, if you think you'll be visiting Dubai again, make sure you sign up for smart gates when you present your passport to the immigration officer. Just tell them you would like to sign up for smart gates, and they will program your passport to be used on the automatic gates. They'll put a stamp on the back of your passport and you'll be good to go. It's all computerized, so you don't need to complete an application or anything. Takes less than a minute. Enjoy your stay!

I actually will be in Abu Dhabi, but I assumed the same applies.

Yes, Abu Dhabi has smart gates too. But, I believe they're independent of Dubai's.

A quick question please - if I have a prescription for a codeine based drug (and other drugs on the ‘permit required’l list) and a certified doctors report but am only in transit , so not actually “entering” Dubai do I still need to complete an offficial online application? I’ve seen so many conflicting reports that I am totally confused! I don’t want to take a chance on not being stopped at random - I want to get it right. Thanks in advance.

You should be just fine. You are checked through security again once you enter the UAE even in transit, but it's nothing major. I've been in transit several times and it was never an issue of them thoroughly checking anything. I've been offline for sometime and just saw your message. Don't worry.

Thanks!

You're welcome. Just an FYI for future reference if this ever applies to you... Security checks are all hands on deck when leaving the UAE (when not in transit). Mainly when going to the USA and a few other countries. They're really nitpicky.

If you don't mind, can I ask how this went for you on your trip?

My medicines aren't on that list, but had been an older one. The embassy here seemed to think I'd still need to declare any kind of psychotropic drug, depending on its use? But this list seems to suggest otherwise.