This weekend’s Observer has a fascinating article on “the dark side” of Dubai, which is precisely the sort of article the Dubai PR machine doesn’t want to see in a major media outlet. It’s a fascinating story, definitely worth a read, especially for anyone considering any longer-term projects in the region, whether for business or pleasure.
But those traveling to, from, or even through Dubai might want to take note of this small item buried within the text of the article:
Cat Le-Huy, a producer with Endemol, spent three weeks in jail without being charged, for possession of Melatonin – jetlag pills.
Yes, melatonin, which I saw on sale yesterday afternoon at my local CVS. This non-prescription dietary supplement, which some folks swear by to conquer jet lag, could get you thrown into a Dubai slammer.
I trust that Dubai’s jails are less flashy and luxurious than their resorts.
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October 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Not only Melanin, but also several other common antidepressants could land you in jail in the UAE.
October 6th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I lived in the UAE for several years and it’s an amazing part of the world to live in or visit.
Yes, they do have some strange rules about what medication can be taken into the country, but that’s their rules. It’s even best to keep the codeine out of your luggage too, and watch out for poppy seeds – they’re banned as well.
For future reference for anyone visiting this post and going to the UAE, here are some reference links which itemise the banned substances:
http://www.gulfnews.com/articles/06/11/18/10083441.html
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/06/11/14/controlleddrugslist.pdf
http://www.fairtrials.net/index.php/news/article/list_of_controlled_pharmaceutical_substances_in_uae/
Once you’re in the UAE however, most medicines/antibiotics that are prescription only in other parts of the world can be readily purchased over the counter in UAE pharmacies without first having to visit a doctor.
It’s a great place to stock up on common medication, but be aware that you may also have issues with your own country’s customs officers if they see that you have a large supply of medication in your luggage on your return home.
October 6th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Whoa..illegal?
FYI – I believe that melatonin is a prescription drug in the UK.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Melatonin is or was a prohibited birthday in some EU countries as well (Germany is/was one, if I remember rightly). And other drugs like codeine can get you in trouble in various places. Assuming all medical/health-related preparations are acceptable internationally is probably one of the biggest ignorant mistakes travellers make (along with quarantine breaches).
February 14th, 2009 at 6:42 am
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February 12th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Sure, if you carry a bottle of them, they might catch you.
But there is a company called FBSHealth which makes individually wrapped Melatonin drops. I usually keep a couple of them on me in my wallet: who’s going to search for them there? And, even if they find it, it looks like a piece of candy.
I usually eat them during a long flight, around the time when I should be sleeping at my destination. Or sometimes I eat them at the hotel after dinner.
Actually, they are pretty convenient. I never forget to bring one, I don’t have to dig them out of my carry on, and I don’t need to ask for water or anything when I’m on the plane, which is a hassle. Great product: pity you can’t buy them in the shop…
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:13 pm
[...] I have at home, because it doesn’t work all that well for me and besides, I recently read a post on Upgrade: Travel Better about a traveler who was jailed in Dubai for possession of of melatonin. [...]
April 8th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
[...] heading to Dubai: Don’t kiss in public. Add that to your other Dubai related warnings, like not bringing melatonin along on your trip to fight jet lag if you want to stay out of [...]
April 9th, 2010 at 4:47 am
[...] I don’t know where to start. Anyone? Oh, and don’t bother packing Melatonin: three weeks in jail for that one. I can think of higher crimes to send an Endemol producer to jail [...]