Gun Ownership in the UAE: A Practical Guide

If you’re thinking about owning a firearm in the United Arab Emirates, the first thing to know is that the rules are strict and clearly defined. The government controls every step, from who can apply for a license to the types of guns you’re allowed to keep. This guide walks you through the basics so you can decide if it’s worth the effort.

Licensing and Eligibility

Only UAE citizens and residents with a valid residency permit can apply for a gun license. You must be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, and pass a medical and psychological exam. The process starts at the local police department where you’ll fill out an application, submit identity documents, and pay a fee that varies by emirate.

Once your paperwork is accepted, you’ll attend a safety training course approved by the Ministry of Interior. The course covers safe handling, storage, and the legal responsibilities of gun owners. After you pass the test, the police conduct a background check and issue a license if everything checks out. Expect the whole process to take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

Allowed Firearms and Restrictions

The UAE permits only certain types of firearms: mainly hunting rifles, shotguns, and a limited range of handguns for sport shooting. Fully automatic weapons, assault rifles, and high‑capacity magazines are completely banned. Even with a license, you can own only one firearm at a time, unless you have a special permit for a second gun for sporting events.

All guns must be registered with the police and stored in a certified safe at your residence. The safe needs to meet Ministry of Interior standards and be inspected annually. Carrying a firearm in public is only allowed for licensed security personnel or during authorized hunting trips. If you’re caught with a gun outside these conditions, you face hefty fines, imprisonment, or both.

Importing firearms is possible but requires a separate import permit, an export certificate from the country of origin, and clearance from UAE customs. The paperwork mirrors the licensing steps and adds a customs inspection to ensure the weapon matches the approved model.

Self‑defense is a gray area. While the law acknowledges the right to protect yourself, you must still have a valid license, and the use of force must be proportionate. Courts scrutinize any claim of self‑defense, so many owners stick to sport shooting clubs where they can use their gun legally and safely.

Violating any of these rules can lead to severe penalties: license revocation, confiscation of the firearm, fines up to AED 50,000, and prison sentences ranging from six months to several years. The UAE takes gun control seriously, so staying informed and compliant is the only way to avoid trouble.

In short, owning a gun in the UAE is possible, but it’s a tightly regulated process. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, complete the required training, and follow storage and usage rules to the letter. If you’re unsure about any step, reach out to the local police or a licensed firearms dealer for guidance before you start.