Flying to the UAE? Avoid These Banned Cabin Items in Dubai and Sharjah Airports

If you’re heading to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah in the UAE anytime soon, you’ll want to pay attention to what goes in your hand luggage. The UAE has strict rules on what you can and can’t carry in your cabin bag and that includes some surprising items.

Let’s break it down, simply and clearly, so you don’t get held up at security, or worse, have something important seize for not following hand luggage rules.

✈️ First up: Emirates Bans In-Flight Use of Power Banks

Starting October, Emirates has banned the use of power banks during flights. You can still carry them (with conditions), but you can’t charge your phone or laptop with them mid-air. The goal? Prevent overheating and fire risks.

So if you’re packing a power bank:

• Make sure it’s under 100Wh.
• Between 100Wh and 160Wh might be okay, but you’ll need airline approval.
• Over 160Wh? Not allowed.
• And remember: Don’t use it on the flight.

🧳 What You Can’t Pack in Your Hand Baggage (Dubai Airports)

According to Dubai Airports, the following items are completely banned from carry-on luggage:

• Sharp tools like Hammers, Nails, Screwdrivers, Scissors (over 6cm), and parts of grooming kits
• Swords, Souvenir Knives, and Martial Arts Weapons
• Firearms and Ammunition, including starter pistols and flare guns
• Handcuffs
• Laser Pointers and Walkie-Talkies
• Drills, Measuring Tapes, Packing Tape, Electrical Cables (unless personal use)
• Bats, Ropes, and Bludgeoning Objects
• More than one lighter (you’re only allowed one on your person)

Basically, if it can poke, cut, bludgeon, or disrupt, it’s not welcome in the cabin.

🧴 Liquid Restrictions: Keep It Under Control

Like most international airports, Dubai sticks to the 100ml liquid rule:

• Max 100ml per container.
• Max 10 containers (that’s 1 liter total).
• Must fit in a transparent, resealable bag (20cm x 20cm).
• Present the bag separately at security.

This applies to:

• Toiletries
• Perfumes
• Drinks
• Cosmetics
• Frozen liquids

Medicines and baby food are allowed in higher amounts, but you’ll need a prescription or doctor’s note if asked.

👨‍⚕️ Medical Devices and Medications

If you have a metal medical implant, carry a doctor’s certificate. For prescription meds always bring the original prescription, especially for controlled drugs.

Don’t assume airport staff will let it slide, always carry proof.

🚫 Banned in All Baggage (Sharjah Airport)

Flying out of Sharjah Airport? The banned list gets even more intense and applies to both cabin and checked luggage. Here’s what’s completely prohibited:

Weapons & Dangerous Objects

• Firearms, knives over 6cm, souvenir swords, batons, razors
• Dummy weapons and items that look like explosives
• Explosives, fireworks, blasting caps, flare guns

Chemicals & Gases

• Toxic substances: carbon monoxide, ammonia
• Flammable solids and liquids: gasoline, paint, matches, wet batteries
• Compressed gases: diving tanks, fire extinguishers, oxygen cylinders
• Biological hazards: medical waste, viruses, bacteria
• Corrosives and oxidizers: bleach, fertilizers, sodium chlorate
• Radioactive materials: unless properly categorized and declared

Other Surprising Bans

• Measuring tapes
• Ice picks
• Toy weapons
• Polymeric beads
• Engines
• Disabling sprays or stun guns
• Organic peroxides
• Suspicious or disguised items that might mimic weapons or dangerous goods

If it seems like something you wouldn’t want your seatmate carrying on a plane, it probably belongs on this list.

✅ Restricted But Allowed (If You Follow the Rules)

Some items aren’t banned outright but come with strict conditions:

Power Banks:

• Under 100Wh = allowed in cabin
• 100–160Wh = might be allowed, but check with the airline
• Over 160Wh = not allowed
• Don’t use them during the flight

Liquids:

• Max 100ml per item, up to 10 total
• Keep them in a ziplock bag and separate them at screening

Medicines & Baby Food:

• Carry proof (like a prescription)
• Keep it separate for inspection

Final Travel Tips for the UAE

• Double-check with your airline. UAE airports have a baseline list, but each airline (Emirates, Air Arabia, flydubai, etc.) can add their own rules.
• Don’t assume ‘harmless’ items are allowed. Even a nail clipper could be flagged if it looks suspicious or is longer than the allowed limit.
• Sharjah is stricter than Dubai. If flying from there, check your bag twice.
• Know the difference between banned and restricted. Banned = never allowed. Restricted = okay if you follow the rules.

TL;DR: What Not to Pack in UAE Cabin Baggage

Category	Examples	Allowed?
Sharp tools	Scissors (over 6cm), knives, grooming kits	No
Weapons	Guns, batons, martial arts gear	No
Power banks	Over 160Wh	No
Liquids	Over 100ml, unless medically necessary	No
Flammable materials	Gasoline, matches, paints	No
Medications	Without prescription	No
Lighters	Max one per person	Yes (on person only)

Final Thoughts

Don’t pack it unless you’re sure it’s allowed. And if in doubt, check with your airline before you fly. Saves you stress and your gear.

Want a hassle-free start to your UAE trip? Pack smart.