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Are Airguns Legal in United Arab Emirates?
Yes, with conditions.
Generally legal, but with real rules to follow, usually age verification and, in some places, a low-power threshold.
Tier 3: Moderate
Threshold-based licensing: a permit-free band for low-power airguns, with a licence required above it.
AE
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive United Arab Emirates is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationThreshold-based
Age rule21+
PossessionLicence required
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportCased
AuthorityNational statute
The rules in detail
Classification
Threshold-based
Federal Decree-Law No. 17 of 2019 on Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives, Military Equipment and Hazardous Materials (in force 29 August 2019; it repealed Decree-Law No. 5 of 2013) is the governing statute, superseding the Federal Law No. 3 of 2009 cited in older sources. It defines a 'weapon' as anything its Executive Regulations (National Security Advisor Resolution No. 59 of 2020) classify as one. Under Abu Dhabi Police instructions (ADIHEX guidelines), air guns under 8 joules need registration only and air guns over 8 joules need a prior licence.
Age rule
21+
21+ to buy guns and licensed air guns. Licences are essentially for UAE nationals: other buyers need a no-objection certificate from their home authority and the weapon is sent there. Under-age buyers may buy air guns under 8 joules only with a parent's consent and presence (Abu Dhabi Police instructions, ADIHEX guidelines).
Possession
Licence required
Air guns under 8 joules: registration only, no licence. Over 8 joules: prior licence required, and each one counts against the holder's weapons permit quota (Abu Dhabi Police instructions, ADIHEX guidelines).
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Through licensed dealers.
Transport
Cased
Cased.
Authority
National statute
National statute.
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor / transit
Importing any weapon (including replicas) without prior licensing triggers criminal prosecution. Dubai is, however, a recommended airgun-friendly TRANSIT hub when bags are interlined and not collected.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.