No. Raw milk is prohibited for sale in the United Arab Emirates under federal food safety laws, with enforcement by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and local health authorities. Importation is banned unless pre-approved for processing under strict conditions, and domestic production is restricted to licensed pasteurization facilities. Violations incur fines up to AED 2 million or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in United Arab Emirates
- Federal Law No. 10 of 2015 on Food Safety bans the sale of unpasteurized milk, classifying it as a high-risk product under Annex 1 of the UAE Food Code.
- MOCCAE Circular (2023-14) mandates all dairy imports undergo mandatory pasteurization or sterilization at approved facilities, with raw milk shipments rejected at customs.
- Local Health Departments (e.g., Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority) enforce on-site inspections and immediate confiscation of raw milk, including from unlicensed vendors.
Non-compliance triggers penalties under Cabinet Decision No. 20 of 2019, which aligns with GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) 1843/2016 for dairy hygiene. Exemptions exist solely for direct farm-to-consumer sales in designated emirates, but these require prior registration and adherence to MOCCAE’s 2026 Traceability Framework.