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Regulator: Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), the federal medicines regulator

GLP-1 drugs and peptides in United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, a federal agency called the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) decides which medicines can be sold. Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and the weight-loss pill Foundayo are on the market, and all need a prescription. Insurance often pays only for diabetes use, although Abu Dhabi covers Foundayo for eligible adults in its weight programme. Peptides sold online that the EDE has not approved are being cracked down on: in July 2026 the EDE took action against 71 sellers and promoters.

Last verified 2026-09-29 · how we verify

Official regulator site

GLP-1 medicines

Approved or on the market by prescription: Wegovy injection (weight management; reported available by May 2024 and listed on Novo Nordisk's UAE professional portal; a paediatric endocrinologist quoted in July 2026 said it is approved for adolescents aged 12 and over), oral Wegovy (EDE approval on 1 June 2026 for adults with obesity or overweight, and to reduce major cardiovascular events), Ozempic (type 2 diabetes), Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes and, according to UAE doctors quoted in 2024, weight management in adults; a doctor quoted in July 2026 said it is approved for type 2 diabetes in children aged 10 and over) and Foundayo (orforglipron, announced 3 April 2026, available from May 2026). Novo Nordisk's UAE professional portal also lists Saxenda (liraglutide). In March 2026 Novo Nordisk UAE said it was engaging with UAE regulators on the higher-dose Wegovy injection approved in Europe; I found no report that it has been approved in the UAE since. The EDE's public product directory showed only placeholder entries on 29 September 2026, so approval dates for the injectable products rest on company and press reports, and I found no confirmation for dulaglutide, exenatide or other GLP-1 products. Coverage: insurance is often available for the type 2 diabetes use but rarely for weight management; Mounjaro was reported in February 2026 as typically costing more than Dh1,700. All are prescription-only, and unlicensed sale is prosecuted.

Peptides

Unapproved peptides such as BPC-157 have no marketing authorisation in the UAE. Under Federal Decree-Law 38/2024 a medical product cannot be circulated or sold without EDE approval. In July 2026 the EDE said that calling a product a peptide does not make it an approved medicine, named retatrutide as unapproved, acted against 71 sources, and warned against buying from unlicensed websites and social media. I did not find an official page that names BPC-157 or the other trending peptides individually. Compounding: Article 5 of the decree-law exempts products made in licensed compounding pharmacies from marketing approval, MOHAP keeps oversight of those pharmacies, and the EDE said in July 2026 it is inspecting them; I found no published rule on which peptides they may or may not compound. Article 42 bars doctors from prescribing a product that has not applied for marketing approval unless it is necessary, no suitable alternative exists and the patient consents. In September 2026 the Abu Dhabi Department of Health opened an online form for reporting side effects from peptide products and said providers may prescribe peptide therapies only for appropriate cases supported by scientific evidence, with documented patient consent, clinical records and adverse-event reporting. Import and sale: unregistered products cannot be lawfully imported for sale; personal importation of medicines is limited and needs a prescription. Sport: USADA states that BPC-157 is on the WADA Prohibited List under S0 (non-approved substances); athletes should check each substance against the WADA list and their national anti-doping rules, which I did not verify for the UAE.

Advertising rules

Federal Decree-Law 38/2024 (Article 44) bans advertising or promoting any medical product by any means, including social media, without EDE approval, bans advertising controlled and semi-controlled substances to the public, and lets the EDE ban or limit advertising of other products to certain audiences under implementing regulations. Under Article 45, approval needs a valid marketing authorisation, and the advert must be truthful, not misleading, match the approved uses and state the risks. Under the earlier 2019 medicines law, prescription-only medicines could be promoted only in scientific publications for healthcare practitioners (CMS, 2024); regulations made under that law stay in force until replaced (Article 180). The EDE reported 828 non-compliant advertisements in the first half of 2026. Since 1 February 2026 the UAE Media Council requires an Advertiser Permit for paid and unpaid social media promotion, with fines under Media Law 55 of 2023 from Dh5,000 to Dh1,000,000. Dubai Health Authority standards issued in September 2026 bar exaggerated claims such as miraculous or guaranteed results, require written patient consent for testimonials, and require medical directors to approve posts naming their facilities. In July 2026 the EDE referred 14 influencers to the National Media Office for promoting unapproved peptide weight-loss products.

Every molecule in United Arab Emirates

MoleculeStatusWhat it meansVerified
AmycretinNot approvedNo EDE approval found for amycretin; an investigational medicine, not marketed in the UAEDetails →source2026-09-29
AOD-9604Not approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for AOD-9604; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
BPC-157Not approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for BPC-157, and the EDE is acting against unapproved peptide productsDetails →source2026-09-29
Bremelanotide (PT-141)UnverifiedCould not confirm whether bremelanotide (Vyleesi) is registered by the EDE; no UAE-specific record was foundsource2026-09-29
Cagrilintide (and CagriSema)Not approvedNo EDE approval found for cagrilintide or CagriSema; not marketed in the UAEDetails →source2026-09-29
CJC-1295Not approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for CJC-1295; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
DSIP (delta sleep-inducing peptide)Not approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for DSIP; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
DulaglutideUnverifiedCould not confirm whether dulaglutide (Trulicity) is registered by the EDE; no UAE-specific record was foundsource2026-09-29
EcnoglutideNot approvedNo EDE approval found for ecnoglutide; not marketed in the UAEDetails →source2026-09-29
Elamipretide (SS-31)UnverifiedCould not confirm whether elamipretide is registered by the EDE; no UAE-specific record was foundsource2026-09-29
EloralintideNot approvedNo EDE approval found for eloralintide; an investigational medicine, not marketed in the UAEDetails →source2026-09-29
EpitalonNot approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for epitalon; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
ExenatideUnverifiedCould not confirm whether exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon) is registered by the EDE; no UAE-specific record was foundsource2026-09-29
GHK-Cu (copper peptide)Not approvedNot approved as a medicine in the UAE: no marketing authorisation found for injectable or medicinal GHK-CuDetails →source2026-09-29
IpamorelinNot approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for ipamorelin; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
KisspeptinNot approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for kisspeptin; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
KPVNot approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for KPV; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
LiraglutideApprovedMarketed in the UAE as Saxenda for obesity care according to Novo Nordisk's UAE professional portal; EDE register entry not verifiedDetails →source2026-09-29
LL-37Not approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for LL-37; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
Maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide)Not approvedNo EDE approval found for maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide); an investigational medicine, not marketed in the UAEDetails →source2026-09-29
MazdutideNot approvedNo EDE approval found for mazdutide; not marketed in the UAEDetails →source2026-09-29
Melanotan IINot approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for melanotan II; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
MOTS-cNot approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for MOTS-c; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
NAD+UnverifiedCould not determine a UAE rule specific to NAD+; no registration, ban or guidance naming it was foundsource2026-09-29
OrforglipronApprovedApproved by the EDE in April 2026 as Foundayo, a daily pill for chronic weight management; UAE was the second country to approve itDetails →source2026-09-29
PramlintideUnverifiedCould not confirm whether pramlintide (Symlin) is registered by the EDE; no UAE-specific record was foundsource2026-09-29
RetatrutideProhibitedNot approved; the EDE named retatrutide in July 2026 when it acted against 71 sources marketing or selling unapproved peptide productsDetails →source2026-09-29
SelankNot approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation found for Selank; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
SemaglutideApprovedApproved: Wegovy (injection and, since June 2026, a daily pill) for weight management, Ozempic for type 2 diabetes; prescription-onlyDetails →source2026-09-29
SemaxNot approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation found for Semax; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
SermorelinUnverifiedCould not determine sermorelin's UAE status; no registration or enforcement record was foundsource2026-09-29
SetmelanotideUnverifiedCould not confirm whether setmelanotide (Imcivree) is registered by the EDE; no UAE-specific record was foundsource2026-09-29
SurvodutideNot approvedNo EDE approval found for survodutide; an investigational medicine, not marketed in the UAEDetails →source2026-09-29
TB-500 (thymosin beta-4 fragment)Not approvedNot approved in the UAE: no marketing authorisation for TB-500; unapproved peptide products are under EDE enforcementDetails →source2026-09-29
TesamorelinUnverifiedCould not confirm whether tesamorelin (Egrifta) is registered by the EDE; no UAE-specific record was foundsource2026-09-29
TirzepatideApprovedOn the market as Mounjaro by prescription; UAE doctors describe use for type 2 diabetes and weight management; EDE register entry not checkedDetails →source2026-09-29

For experts

The regulatory detail

Federal Decree-Law 38/2024 makes the Emirates Drug Establishment the federal regulator for medical products. The decree-law took effect on 2 January 2025, and the EDE took over 44 core services from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) with effect from 29 December 2025, including marketing authorisations, import and export permits and GMP certification, while MOHAP kept community and compounding pharmacies and five narcotics-control services (Kayrouz and Associates, March 2026). Under Article 5, no medical product may be imported, distributed, sold or used without EDE marketing approval, although products made in licensed compounding pharmacies are exempt; a foreign manufacturer must appoint a UAE licensed agent, and products need an EDE pricing certificate and advertising approval. Administrative fines on pharmaceutical establishments range from AED 1,000 to AED 1 million (Article 160). In February 2026 the EDE approved a mechanism requiring companies to appoint more than one importer for each medical product marketed in the UAE, to reduce single-distributor control. Recent approvals show the EDE moving quickly on obesity medicines: Foundayo (orforglipron) was announced on 3 April 2026, and oral Wegovy was approved on 1 June 2026, described as the second country in each case. On funding, prices are set through EDE pricing certificates. Press reports say insurers often cover Ozempic and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes but rarely for weight management, and Abu Dhabi's Department of Health said in April 2026 that Foundayo will be covered for adults eligible for its Personalised Weight Management Programme. On personal importation, a July 2026 travel guide reports a limit of three months' supply, an original prescription (stated to need embassy attestation), original packaging, and prior MOHAP approval for psychotropic medicines; I could not confirm this on an official page. On enforcement, the EDE announced in July 2026 action against 71 sources marketing unapproved peptide products (14 registered facilities cited, 14 influencers referred to the National Media Office) and said it is inspecting compounding pharmacies; a Sharjah court fined defendants in July 2026 for selling Mounjaro without a licence. The EDE reported 2,030 inspection visits and 828 non-compliant advertisements in the first half of 2026 (WAM, 22 September 2026).

Official sources we monitor

Sources (31)

  1. 01Legislations (Federal Decree-Law 38/2024 and other instruments)Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) · 2026-09-29 · accessed 2026-09-29
  2. 02Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2024 on Medical Products, the Pharmacy Profession and Pharmaceutical Establishments (Arabic text)Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) · 2024-10-01 · accessed 2026-09-29
  3. 03Pharmaceutical licensing and drug registration in the UAE (Federal Decree-Law 38 of 2024)Kayrouz and Associates · 2026-03-18 · accessed 2026-09-29
  4. 04CMS Expert Guide to advertising of medicines and medical devices: United Arab EmiratesCMS · 2024-05-08 · accessed 2026-09-29
  5. 05Emirates Drug Establishment approves oral Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight management and cardiovascular risk reductionEmirates Drug Establishment (EDE) · 2026-06-01 · accessed 2026-09-29
  6. 06UAE authority approves new oral obesity treatment to be available from MayKhaleej Times · 2026-04-03 · accessed 2026-09-29
  7. 07Abu Dhabi Expands Access to Innovative Daily Oral Obesity Treatment, Enhancing Outcomes and Quality of LifeDepartment of Health Abu Dhabi · 2026-04-24 · accessed 2026-09-29
  8. 08UAE cracks down on illegal weight-loss products, targets 71 violatorsKhaleej Times · 2026-07-25 · accessed 2026-09-29
  9. 09UAE weight-loss drug crackdown: 71 sources, 14 influencers face actionGulf News · 2026-07-25 · accessed 2026-09-29
  10. 10Abu Dhabi health authority launches online form for reporting side effects from peptide productsEmirates 24|7 · 2026-09-25 · accessed 2026-09-29
  11. 11UAE summer travel: What you can and cannot bring into DubaiKhaleej Times · 2026-07-12 · accessed 2026-09-29
  12. 12New UAE law: Advertiser permit now mandatory for influencers and creators for social mediaGulf News · 2026-02-01 · accessed 2026-09-29
  13. 13Dubai issues social media rules for doctors, health facilities and influencers; bans misleading claimsGulf News · 2026-09-01 · accessed 2026-09-29
  14. 14UAE's drug monopoly rules bring promise of cheaper health careThe National · 2026-02-26 · accessed 2026-09-29
  15. 15Are Ozempic, Mounjaro, other weight-loss drugs covered by insurance in the UAE?Khaleej Times · 2026-02-27 · accessed 2026-09-29
  16. 16Dh10,000 fine for selling Mounjaro injections without a licence in SharjahGulf News · 2026-07-31 · accessed 2026-09-29
  17. 17BPC-157: Experimental Peptide Creates Risk for Athletes (updated August 2026)U.S. Anti-Doping Agency · 2020-03-03 · accessed 2026-09-29
  18. 18Emirates Drug Establishment boosts pharmaceutical readiness in H1 2026Emirates News Agency (WAM) · 2026-09-22 · accessed 2026-09-29
  19. 19Saxenda by Novo Nordisk | Obesity Care for Professionals (Novo Nordisk UAE portal for healthcare professionals)Novo Nordisk UAE · 2026 · accessed 2026-09-29
  20. 20Emirates Drug Establishment approves oral obesity treatmentTradeArabia · 2026-04-03 · accessed 2026-09-29
  21. 21New obesity pill approved in UAE: Who can get it, availability, prescription explainedKhaleej Times · 2026-04-17 · accessed 2026-09-29
  22. 22New obesity pills soon in UAE: Will your insurance cover Foundayo or Wegovy?Khaleej Times · 2026-04-23 · accessed 2026-09-29
  23. 23UAE cracks down on unapproved peptide weight-loss products, refers influencers for violationsThe Filipino Times · 2026-07-25 · accessed 2026-09-29
  24. 24Wegovy pill launches in the UAE as Novo Nordisk expands global access to obesity careNovo Nordisk (via GlobeNewswire) · 2026-06-03 · accessed 2026-09-29
  25. 25Ozempic maker urges UAE users to switch to Wegovy for weight lossThe National · 2024-05-22 · accessed 2026-09-29
  26. 26UAE parents increasingly seek weight-loss injections for children amid GLP-1 buzzKhaleej Times · 2026-07-14 · accessed 2026-09-29
  27. 27Higher maintenance dose of weight-loss drug Wegovy approved in EU. When will UAE get it?Gulf News · 2026-03-02 · accessed 2026-09-29
  28. 28Wegovy by Novo Nordisk: treatment for chronic obesity (UAE healthcare professional portal)Novo Nordisk UAE · 2026 · accessed 2026-09-29
  29. 29Ozempic by Novo Nordisk: GLP-1 for type 2 diabetes care (UAE healthcare professional portal)Novo Nordisk UAE · 2026 · accessed 2026-09-29
  30. 30Mounjaro safety, side effects: 3 things to know about this new weight loss drugKhaleej Times · 2024-07-31 · accessed 2026-09-29
  31. 31Anti-obesity drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro: Are they getting cheaper?Gulf News · 2026-02-07 · accessed 2026-09-29