UAE Bans Ciprofloxacin in Veterinary Medicine Effective November 1, 2026

The UAE will ban the use of ciprofloxacin in its veterinary sector starting November 1, 2026, as part of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve antibiotic effectiveness in human medicine, Gulf Business reported based on an announcement by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE).

The prohibition covers veterinary medicinal products and raw materials containing ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone group. The regulatory decision affects nine veterinary products in total, comprising eight imported products and one locally registered product.

The EDE instructed relevant commercial establishments to cease manufacturing, importing, and supplying the affected products immediately and to withdraw existing stocks from the UAE market before November 1. Any remaining quantities must either be re-exported or disposed of according to approved regulatory procedures, with businesses required to submit supporting verification documentation.

According to the EDE, fluoroquinolones are designated as Critically Important Antimicrobials for human healthcare. The regulator cautioned that inappropriate use in animals could accelerate bacterial resistance and undermine clinical treatment options for human patients. The ban follows scientific assessments, including data and studies submitted by United Arab Emirates University.

Dr Ruqaya Aqeel Al Bastaki, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Products Regulation Sector at the EDE, stated that regulating antimicrobials demands a risk-based approach evaluating substance impact on cross-sector treatment priorities. The EDE indicated it has already notified affected entities and is establishing a monitoring plan to verify regulatory compliance.