UAE to ban veterinary use of antibiotic ciprofloxacin from November 1
In short
The Emirates Drug Establishment announced on 20 October 2026 that ciprofloxacin will be banned in the UAE's veterinary sector from 1 November 2026. The ban covers veterinary medicinal products and raw materials containing the antibiotic and affects nine products, according to Gulf News and The National.
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The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) announced on 20 October 2026 that the UAE will ban the use of ciprofloxacin in its veterinary sector from 1 November 2026. The ban covers veterinary medicinal products and raw materials containing the antibiotic and affects nine products, eight of them imported and one locally registered, Gulf News and The National reported. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
WAM reported that ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics, which has been classified as Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIAs) for human medicine because of their role in treating certain bacterial infections. The regulator said inappropriate use in animals could contribute to bacterial resistance, potentially reducing the effectiveness of available treatments and posing a public health challenge. The National added that the drug is also prescribed for animals, including dogs and cats, with infections such as those affecting skin and the bladder. [ 2 , 3 ]
The ban followed a scientific assessment of data related to antimicrobial resistance, including studies submitted by United Arab Emirates University, according to WAM. Dr Ruqaya Aqeel Al Bastaki, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Products Regulation Sector at the EDE, said regulating antimicrobials requires an approach based on assessing the risks associated with each substance and how they affect treatment priorities across different sectors. She said scientific evidence plays a key role in determining the appropriate level of regulatory intervention. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
According to The National, the EDE has told relevant establishments to stop manufacturing, importing and supplying the products, and to withdraw existing stocks from the local market before the ban takes effect. Remaining stocks should be re-exported or disposed of in accordance with approved procedures. Arabian Business also said businesses are required to withdraw existing stocks. [ 2 , 5 ]
Emirates 24|7 named the regulator as the Emirates Drug Authority (EDA), while the other outlets used Emirates Drug Establishment. [ 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The regulator says the ban is meant to curb antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness of treatments used in human medicine. Businesses handling the nine affected products must withdraw them from the market, according to The National and Arabian Business.
Key facts
- The Emirates Drug Establishment announced a ban on the use of ciprofloxacin in the UAE's veterinary sector from 1 November 2026. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The ban covers veterinary medicinal products and raw materials containing ciprofloxacin. [ 1 , 2 ]
- It affects nine products: eight imported and one locally registered. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone group, which has been classified as Critically Important Antimicrobials for human medicine. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The decision followed a scientific assessment of antimicrobial resistance data, including studies submitted by United Arab Emirates University. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Establishments have been told to stop manufacturing, importing and supplying the products and to withdraw existing stocks before the ban takes effect. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The ban on veterinary use of ciprofloxacin in the UAE takes effect on 1 November 2026. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- The regulator said the ban is part of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness of treatments used in human medicine. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The ban affects nine veterinary products. [ 1 , 2 , 5 ]
- The decision followed a scientific assessment that included studies submitted by United Arab Emirates University. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Businesses must withdraw existing stocks of the affected products. [ 2 , 5 ]
Still unclear
- Name of the regulator Gulf News, The National and WAM call it the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE); Emirates 24|7 calls it the Emirates Drug Authority (EDA).
- Full compliance requirements for businesses The National's text available here is cut off while describing documents establishments must submit, so those requirements are not known.