No, carrying a sword in public in the UAE is prohibited under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes, supplemented by local emirate-level weapons laws. Exceptions exist only for licensed individuals, such as historical reenactors or cultural performers, who must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Interior or relevant local authorities. Violations may result in fines up to AED 50,000, imprisonment, or both, with stricter penalties if the weapon is deemed a threat to public safety.
Key Regulations for Carrying a Sword in Public in United Arab Emirates
- Licensing Requirement: A valid permit from the Ministry of Interior or local police authorities is mandatory for any blade exceeding 15 cm in length, with applications scrutinized for legitimate purpose (e.g., cultural events or professional use).
- Prohibited Contexts: Carrying a sword in public without authorization is criminalized under Article 17 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2021, particularly if deemed likely to cause fear or harm, with enforcement prioritized in high-security zones like Dubai’s Deira or Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.
- Cultural Exceptions: Emirate-specific regulations, such as Dubai Police’s 2023 circular on traditional attire, permit swords only during licensed heritage festivals, provided they are sheathed and non-functional, with prior notification to event organizers.