Passengers travelling with Emirates have been advised of a new onboard safety regulation that will take effect in October — the use of power banks during flights will no longer be permitted.
The UAE’s airport authorities maintain strict guidelines on items that are either banned or subject to restrictions in cabin baggage. While some objects are completely prohibited, others may be carried in limited quantities or under specific conditions. Airlines can impose additional rules beyond the official airport list, so passengers are urged to confirm carrier-specific requirements before travelling.
Items Prohibited in Hand Baggage at Dubai Airports
Dubai Airports prohibits the following items in cabin baggage:
- Hammers, nails, screwdrivers, and other sharp tools
- Scissors with blades longer than 6 cm
- Grooming tools with components exceeding 6 cm
- Swords, knives, and other bladed weapons
- Handcuffs, firearms, ammunition, flare guns, and laser guns
- Walkie-talkies
- Lighters (only one lighter is allowed on the person)
- Bats, martial arts weapons, drills, ropes, measuring tapes, packing tapes, and electrical cables (except for personal travel use)
Liquids and Medical Items in Dubai
- Each liquid container must be 100 ml or less, with a total allowance of up to 10 containers (1 litre in total).
- Medicines must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription.
- Passengers with metal medical implants must carry a medical certificate.
Power Bank Rules:
Power banks are permitted in cabin baggage only if they do not exceed 100Wh. Devices between 100Wh and 160Wh may be accepted depending on airline policies, but must never exceed 160Wh. Emirates has now banned the use of power banks during flights, even if they are within the permitted capacity.
Prohibited Items at Sharjah Airport
Sharjah Airport enforces a separate but equally strict list of banned goods in both hand and checked baggage. These include:
- Bludgeons, baseball bats, and similar weapons
- Flammable gases, liquids, and solids (such as gas cartridges, gasoline, matches, paint)
- Dangerous wet substances (e.g., calcium carbide)
- Chemical and biological agents, including toxic or infectious materials
- Firearms, knives with blades longer than 6 cm, and martial arts weapons
- Oxidizing substances like bleach and ammonium nitrate
- Non-flammable gases (e.g., diving tanks, oxygen cylinders)
- Radioactive materials
- Explosives, fireworks, and ammunition
- Suspicious or imitation weapons
- Disabling devices such as tear gas, mace, and electric stun guns
- Organic peroxides and other dangerous goods
Restricted Items in Cabin Baggage
Some items can be carried if they meet specific conditions:
- Liquids: Up to 100 ml per container, stored in a clear, resealable 20cm x 20cm bag, to be presented separately at security.
- Medicines and Special Food Items: Baby food, prescription medicines, and other special dietary items may be carried, but proof of authenticity may be required.
- Passengers are reminded to review both airport and airline regulations before travelling to avoid delays, confiscations, or penalties.
Stay Connected with ProPakistani
Get the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
