Pharmacy – Dubai Airport Terminal 3 Complete Guide 2026
Your complete guide to pharmacies at Dubai Airport Terminal 3 — all pharmacy locations across Concourses A, B and C, what you can buy, opening hours, bringing medicine through Dubai customs, UAE controlled drug rules, and what to do in a medical emergency at DXB.
Pharmacies at Dubai Airport T3 — Overview
Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 has multiple pharmacies operating 24 hours a day across the arrivals level, departures area, and all three concourses — making it one of the best-served airports in the world for medical and pharmaceutical needs. Whether you have forgotten medication, need travel essentials, or want skincare products, a fully stocked pharmacy is always close to hand at Terminal 3.
The main pharmacy operators at Terminal 3 are Boots (operated by Alshaya Group) and the Dubai Duty Free pharmacy. Both are fully staffed by qualified pharmacists who can advise on medicines, supplements, skincare, and travel health. Boots in particular is known for its wide selection of over 1,500 exclusive own-brand products not available elsewhere in the UAE.
💡 Key fact: The Dubai Airports official website confirms that Dubai Duty Free pharmacies at Terminal 3 are open 24/7 — particularly useful for passengers arriving on late-night or early-morning Emirates flights who need medication or health supplies urgently. Boots also operates on 24-hour schedules at its Terminal 3 locations.
Boots Pharmacy at Terminal 3 — Full Details
Boots is the UK’s most trusted pharmacy brand and operates three locations at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 — in arrivals, departures, and within the concourses. In Dubai, Boots is operated by Alshaya Group, one of the largest franchise operators in the Middle East.
Located in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall — one of the first shops you encounter after clearing Customs, directly opposite the taxi exit near Exit 1. Ideal for passengers who have just landed and need medicine, skincare, or health essentials immediately on arrival. Also noted as a reference point for Emirates Left Luggage (which is behind Boots near Exit 1).
Boots T3 Arrivals →A full Boots pharmacy in the Terminal 3 departures area — airside, after security. Stocked with medicines, travel health products, skincare, beauty, and all Boots exclusive own-brand ranges. Perfect for last-minute purchases before your flight. Qualified pharmacists on duty round the clock for consultation.
Find Boots Store →A Boots location within Concourse B — accessible to all passengers after clearing security. Located near Gate B18 for convenient access from most Concourse B departure gates. Full range of Boots products including 1,500+ exclusive skincare and health brands: No7, Soap & Glory, Botanics, Soltan, Ted Baker, St Tropez, GLOW, and Tea Tree & Witch Hazel.
Boots Website →What Boots Sells at Terminal 3
🧴 Skincare & Beauty: No7 (UK’s #1 skincare brand), Soap & Glory, Botanics, St Tropez, Ted Baker, GLOW, Tea Tree & Witch Hazel — 1,500+ exclusive products not available elsewhere in the UAE
💊 Medicines & Health: Paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids, rehydration salts, cold & flu remedies, vitamins & supplements, travel sickness tablets, sleep aids
✈️ Travel Essentials: Travel-size toiletries (100ml compliance), sunscreen, insect repellent, eye drops, ear plugs, compression socks, first aid kits
👶 Baby & Mother: Baby care products, nappy cream, baby wipes, infant pain relief
🌸 Fragrance & Cosmetics: Perfumes, make-up, lip care, nail care
📞 Boots UAE website: me.boots.com
💡 Boots pharmacist consultation: All Boots pharmacies at Terminal 3 have a qualified on-duty pharmacist who can advise on medications, travel health, symptoms, and whether a product is appropriate for your needs. This service is free — simply ask at the counter. Languages spoken include English, Hindi, Arabic, Malayalam, Tagalog, Russian, and Chinese.
Dubai Duty Free Pharmacy at Terminal 3
Dubai Duty Free — the world’s highest-grossing airport retailer — also operates dedicated pharmacy counters throughout Terminal 3, open 24 hours a day. The Dubai Duty Free pharmacy focuses on medicines, prescription drugs (where permitted), skincare, travel health products, and wellness items — all at duty-free prices.
🏪 Dubai Duty Free Pharmacy locations in Terminal 3:
• Concourse A: Near Gates A11 and A14
• Concourse B: Near Gates B14 and B21
• Concourse C: Near Gate C13
⏰ Hours: 24/7 — all Dubai Duty Free stores including the pharmacy operate round the clock
💊 Products: Medicines, health essentials, skincare, travel wellness items, prescription drugs (where available), baby care
🌐 Official website: dubaidutyfree.com
💡 Duty-free advantage: Medicines and health products purchased at Dubai Duty Free’s pharmacy are sold at duty-free prices — typically 10–20% cheaper than the same products in Dubai city pharmacies or hotel shops. If you need to stock up on vitamins, supplements, or skincare, buying at the DDF pharmacy on departure can be more economical than shopping in the city.
Other Pharmacies at Terminal 3
In addition to Boots and Dubai Duty Free, Terminal 3 is also served by Marhaba Pharmacy — available to Marhaba Lounge passengers — and several other health and wellness outlets across the concourses.
Pharmacy available in or near the Marhaba Lounge locations in Concourses A, B, and C. Primarily serves Marhaba Lounge guests but may be accessible to all terminal passengers. Stocks essential medicines, travel health products, and personal care items.
Wellness-focused outlets at Terminal 3 offering massages, skincare treatments, and some health product retail. While primarily a spa service, Be Relax also carries some travel wellness and skincare retail products for passengers looking for premium self-care items before a long flight.
While not a dedicated pharmacy, Carrefour Market at Terminal 3 sells a range of over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, baby care products, and health essentials alongside food and grocery items. A convenient stop for basic medical supplies, paracetamol, antacids, and travel accessories.
All Pharmacy Locations at Terminal 3 — Quick Reference
| Pharmacy | Location | Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boots | T3 Arrivals — opposite taxi exit, near Exit 1 | 24/7 | Arrivals, urgent medicines, skincare |
| Boots | T3 Departures Area — airside | 24/7 | Pre-flight purchases, full range |
| Boots | Concourse B — near Gate B18 | 24/7 | Concourse B passengers, exclusive brands |
| Dubai Duty Free Pharmacy | Concourse A — near Gates A11 & A14 | 24/7 | A380 passengers, duty-free pricing |
| Dubai Duty Free Pharmacy | Concourse B — near Gates B14 & B21 | 24/7 | Main Concourse B pharmacy |
| Dubai Duty Free Pharmacy | Concourse C — near Gate C13 | 24/7 | Concourse C passengers |
| Marhaba Pharmacy | Near Marhaba Lounges — Concourses A, B & C | Lounge hours | Lounge guests, essentials |
| Carrefour Market | Concourse B | Store hours | Basic OTC medicines, baby products |
What You Can Buy at the Pharmacy at Terminal 3
Terminal 3 pharmacies are fully stocked with a wide range of products — from basic pain relief to premium skincare. Here is what you can typically find:
Medicines & Health Products
Travel Essentials (100ml Liquids-Compliant)
💡 Over-the-counter note: Some medicines that require a prescription in the UK, USA, or Europe are available over the counter in Dubai — including certain antibiotics and stronger pain medication. Conversely, some medicines freely available elsewhere (particularly those containing codeine) are controlled substances in the UAE. Always check before purchasing — the pharmacist will advise. See the section below on controlled medicines for details.
Bringing Medicines Through Dubai Airport Terminal 3 — Rules
The UAE has strict pharmaceutical import laws governed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) and UAE Federal Law. Whether you are arriving, departing, or transiting through Terminal 3, you need to be aware of these rules — violations carry serious legal consequences including detention, deportation, and prosecution.
📋 General rules for all passengers:
• All medicines being brought into the UAE must be for personal use only
• Carry only the quantity required for your stay duration
• Keep medicines in their original packaging with original labels
• Carry your original prescription for all prescribed medicines
• Non-prescribed, non-controlled OTC medicines (paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines) do not require special documentation
• Prescription medicines that are not controlled require the original prescription but no additional permit
• Controlled and narcotic medicines require a pre-travel import permit from MoHaP — see below
• Dubai pharmacies cannot accept foreign prescriptions — if you need prescription medicine locally, you must see a UAE doctor first
⚠️ Zero tolerance: The UAE operates a zero-tolerance policy for controlled substances under Federal Law by Decree No. 30 of 2021. Carrying banned or controlled medicines without proper documentation — even if legally prescribed in your home country — can result in immediate airport detention, criminal charges, heavy fines, deportation, and imprisonment. Even traces of banned substances in your blood or urine are subject to prosecution. Always check your medication against the UAE controlled drugs list before travel.
Controlled & Banned Medicines at Dubai Airport — What to Know
The following are the most commonly encountered categories of medicines that are either banned or require a special import permit when entering through Terminal 3. This is not an exhaustive list — always verify with the UAE Ministry of Health (MoHaP) or the official UAE government portal before travelling.
Medicines Requiring an Import Permit (Controlled)
* Some products may appear innocuous but contain controlled ingredients under UAE law. Always verify specific products at mohap.gov.ae before travel.
Medicines Freely Permitted (No Permit Needed)
*Carry original prescription. These are permitted but you must carry the prescription for any prescribed medication.
| Medicine Category | Status | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| OTC non-controlled medicines (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen) | ✅ Freely permitted | No action needed. Keep in original packaging. |
| Non-controlled prescription medicines | ✅ Permitted with prescription | Carry original prescription. Keep in original packaging. Reasonable quantity only. |
| Controlled medicines (benzodiazepines, codeine products) | ⚠️ Permit required | Apply for import permit from MoHaP online before travel. Carry permit + prescription + original packaging. |
| Class A/B narcotic substances without permit | ❌ Banned without permit | Do NOT bring without MoHaP pre-approval. Risk of arrest, criminal prosecution, deportation. |
| Recreational drugs (cannabis, etc.) | ❌ Absolutely banned | Never bring. Zero tolerance. Imprisonment. No exceptions. |
How to Get a UAE Medicine Import Permit
If you need to travel through Terminal 3 with a controlled medicine (benzodiazepines, codeine products, certain ADHD medications, etc.), you must obtain a pre-travel Import Permit for Personal Use from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) before you travel.
📋 Steps to obtain a MoHaP medicine import permit:
1. Get your doctor’s letter — a signed letter in English (preferred) from your prescribing physician confirming: the medical necessity for the medicine, the exact dosage, and the duration of the prescription
2. Apply online — visit the MoHaP website and complete the “Issue a Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use” form. The form requires your passport details, prescription, and travel itinerary
3. Wait for approval — processing typically takes 3 working days. The permit is free of charge and valid for 2 months but for one trip only
4. Travel with all documents — carry the MoHaP permit, original prescription, and medicine in its original packaging. Present at customs if requested
📞 MoHaP helpline: mohap.gov.ae · Call: 80011111 (UAE) or +971 800 11111
💡 Quantity rule: Even with a permit, only bring the quantity of medicine required for your stay duration — not a supply for the whole year. Carrying an excessive amount, even of permitted medicines, may be interpreted as commercial importation and result in confiscation or prosecution. Your permit should specify the permitted quantity for your trip duration.
Medical Emergency at Terminal 3
In the event of a medical emergency at Terminal 3, Dubai Airport has 24-hour medical facilities and first aid stations throughout the terminal. Airport staff are trained to respond immediately and ambulance services are on standby.
🚨 Medical emergency contacts at Terminal 3:
• In an emergency: Alert any airport staff member immediately — they are all first aid trained and can contact medical services within seconds
• Dubai Ambulance: Call 998 from any phone in the UAE
• Dubai Police emergency: 999
• Dubai Airport security/assistance: 800 5111 (free from UAE)
• Airport medical stations: First aid facilities are located throughout Terminal 3 — signposted with the medical cross symbol. Ask any staff member for the nearest station
💊 For non-emergency medical advice: All Boots pharmacies at Terminal 3 have qualified pharmacists on duty 24/7 who can assess symptoms and advise on appropriate OTC treatment. They can also advise whether you need to seek further medical attention.
💡 Travel insurance: Always carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage when transiting through Dubai. If you need to see a doctor or visit a hospital in Dubai, costs can be significant without insurance. Keep your insurance documentation and emergency contact number accessible at all times during your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pharmacy at Terminal 3
Quick answers to the most common pharmacy and medicine questions at Dubai Airport Terminal 3.