In short
- Outpatient pharmacies in Abu Dhabi need DoH approval, after an audit, to deliver.
- You give written or electronic consent, and can name an authorised recipient.
- The driver checks an Emirates ID and should not hand medicine to a minor.
- Narcotic and controlled medicines are excluded, unless specially authorised.
The steps, in order
The DOH Standard on Delivery of Pharmacy Medication, published in 2020, describes the process. Ask your pharmacy how it applies this today.
- You consent. Before delivery, you give written or electronic consent. It records your name, signature, the date, Emirates ID, insurance details, phone number and address, along with anyone authorised to receive the medicine for you.
- You show your prescription. The pharmacy has to see an original or electronic prescription before dispensing.
- The pharmacist reviews it. They are responsible for deciding whether delivery suits this medicine and this patient, and may refuse a high-risk delivery and ask you to collect it.
- The pharmacy calls you. It contacts you before delivery to confirm you will be there, and to counsel you on your medicine.
- The driver checks your ID. Emirates ID is the main identifier. The medicine should not be handed to an unauthorised person or to a minor.
- Delivery is confirmed. The pharmacy keeps an audit trail and confirms the delivery afterwards.
Medicines that may not be delivered
- Narcotic, controlled and semi-controlled medicines are excluded unless there is special authorisation.
- Complex treatments prescribed for the first time are excluded. Refills are possible after the first dispensing, so you may need to collect the first supply in person.
The standard covers over-the-counter, pharmacy-only and prescription medicines beyond these exclusions.
How your medicine should travel
The package should be sealed in a way that hides what is inside, and labelled with your name and address. Fridge items should travel at a controlled temperature, and light-sensitive items should stay in their original or amber containers. Medicine should not be left in the vehicle overnight. If a seal is broken, or a medicine that should be cold has arrived warm, ring the pharmacist before you use it.
Finding a licensed pharmacy
TAMM has a Find A Pharmacy tool, with filters for area, pharmacies open 24 hours and those that accept Thiqa. To check a licence number, use Search with Facility License Number. You can also ask the pharmacy directly whether DoH has approved it to deliver.
If you need a medicine urgently, or have taken too much of one, do not wait for a delivery. Call 998 or go to the nearest hospital.
Where medicAI fits
In the medicAI app, you upload your prescription and add your delivery address. A licensed pharmacy delivers. If your insurer covers you, it approves the order. If you are paying yourself, you get a call to confirm first. Any co-pay is paid at delivery. Pharmacies in the emirate are licensed by DoH and are responsible for dispensing. medicAI does not treat, prescribe or decide claims. Read more about medicine delivery, or see a doctor by video if you need a prescription.
Delivery needs your consent, which you give before your medicines go out. You can read our medicine delivery consent template. The pharmacy and its delivery partner must each hold a valid licence.
Questions people ask
Can someone else receive my medicine in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, if you named them as an authorised recipient when you gave consent. The DoH standard says medicine should not be handed to an unauthorised person or to a minor.
Why did the pharmacy ask me to collect my medicine in person?
Under the DoH standard, a pharmacist can refuse a delivery they consider high risk and ask you to collect it. Complex treatments prescribed for the first time are also excluded from delivery.
Can controlled medicines be delivered in Abu Dhabi?
The DoH standard excludes narcotic, controlled and semi-controlled medicines from delivery unless there is special authorisation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to get them.
Sources and further reading
Read next
medicAI is not for emergencies. If someone is seriously ill or injured, call 998 or go to the nearest hospital.
This page is general information. It does not replace advice from a doctor who knows your situation. medicAI is a technology platform. Care is given by independent licensed facilities, who are responsible for it and for its outcome.
