In short
- A Dubai pharmacy needs DHA approval to deliver medicine.
- Even when a courier carries it, the pharmacy stays responsible for errors.
- Prescription medicines require your ID on delivery.
- Controlled and narcotic medicines cannot be prescribed or dispensed through telehealth.
What DHA asks of a delivering pharmacy
DHA’s Pharmacy Guidelines, issued in 2021, set out how delivery should work. Prescription-only medicines go through a telepharmacy approval, and over-the-counter and general products through a delivery add-on. A pharmacy may use a third-party delivery company under contract, but it and its pharmacist in charge keep full responsibility for errors.
Every delivery should be secure and traceable, and the prescription should be reviewed, with counselling offered. If your pharmacist needs to see you in person, they can refer you to a pharmacy or health facility.
Checks when the package arrives
| Look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| A sealed container that hides what is inside | It protects your privacy and shows no one has opened it |
| The original manufacturer’s pack and leaflet | The guidelines call for both, so you can check the name, the strength and the expiry date |
| Cold chain packing, for medicines kept cool | Medicines that need refrigerating should stay within their +2 to +8C range |
| A leak-proof pack, for liquids | Spills can damage other items and mean a dose has been lost |
If something looks wrong, do not take the medicine until you have spoken to the pharmacist. The guidelines also say a pharmacy may contact you about delays and recalls, so give them a number you answer.
On your doorstep
For prescription-only medicines, the guidelines require an Emirates ID or other patient ID at delivery, so have it ready. It is recommended that the pharmacy confirms delivery to the adult patient or, for a patient under 18, their guardian. The courier should not discuss your medicine with you, so take any questions to the pharmacist.
Your choice of pharmacy, and how to check it
DHA’s telehealth standard says a telehealth provider must not restrict your choice of a DHA licensed pharmacy. You should also be told in advance about any third party involved and about the costs. A pharmacy offering telepharmacy has to show its licensed name, pharmacist in charge, physical location and phone number.
To check it, search the Dubai Medical Registry under Facilities and compare the name on the receipt with the DHA entry. No login is needed. You can also ask the pharmacy to confirm that DHA has approved it for delivery.
Medicines that cannot go this way
DHA’s telehealth standard says controlled, semi-controlled and narcotic medicines cannot be prescribed or dispensed through telehealth. If you take one of these, speak to your doctor about how to get it.
A delivery is not for urgent needs. If you or someone else has taken too much of a medicine, or has a severe reaction, call 998.
How it works on medicAI
Open the app, upload your prescription and add your delivery address. If you are covered at work, your insurer approves the order. If you are paying yourself, you get a call to confirm before delivery. A licensed pharmacy delivers, and you pay any co-pay at delivery. The pharmacy dispenses your medicine and is responsible for it. medicAI connects you to licensed care, and does not treat, prescribe or decide claims. Read more about medicine delivery.
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
Do pharmacies in Dubai need permission to deliver medicine?
Yes. DHA’s Pharmacy Guidelines say delivery needs DHA approval, with prescription-only medicines going through a telepharmacy approval. A pharmacy may use a contracted courier, but it stays responsible.
Do I need ID to receive prescription medicine in Dubai?
Yes. DHA’s guidelines require an Emirates ID or other patient ID when prescription-only medicines are delivered, so have it ready at the door.
Can controlled medicines be delivered after an online consultation in Dubai?
No. DHA’s telehealth standard says controlled, semi-controlled and narcotic medicines cannot be prescribed or dispensed through telehealth. Your doctor can explain how to get them another way.
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.
