UAE Bans Ciprofloxacin for Animals From November 1: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Pet owners and veterinary clinics across the UAE will need to take note of a new regulation taking effect on November 1, 2026, prohibiting the use of ciprofloxacin in the country's veterinary sector.

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) announced the restriction as part of its efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance and protect the effectiveness of antibiotics used to treat infections in humans.

The decision covers veterinary medicines and raw materials containing ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone group.

Which veterinary products are affected?

According to the Emirates Drug Establishment, the ban affects nine veterinary products containing ciprofloxacin.

These include:

• Eight imported veterinary products

• One locally registered veterinary product

The restriction also covers raw materials containing the active ingredient.

The authority has instructed relevant businesses to stop manufacturing, importing and supplying the affected products. Existing stocks must be withdrawn from the UAE market, while remaining quantities must be re-exported or disposed of under approved procedures.

Why has the UAE introduced the ban?

Ciprofloxacin belongs to a group of antibiotics classified as Critically Important Antimicrobials for human medicine.

These medicines play an important role in treating certain bacterial infections in people. However, inappropriate antibiotic use in animals can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive medicines that would normally kill them or stop their growth. This can make infections harder to treat and reduce the effectiveness of available treatments.

The EDE said its decision followed a scientific assessment of antimicrobial resistance data, including research submitted by United Arab Emirates University.

The regulation forms part of wider efforts to promote responsible antibiotic use and protect public health.

What does the new rule mean for pet owners?

For dog and cat owners, the most important point is that the regulation concerns the veterinary use of ciprofloxacin.

Pet owners should not assume that every antibiotic or veterinary medicine is affected. The announced restriction specifically concerns products and raw materials containing ciprofloxacin.

If your pet has previously received this medicine, or you are unsure whether a prescribed treatment contains the ingredient, contact your veterinarian for clarification.

Do not stop, replace or change a prescribed treatment without professional veterinary advice.

Veterinary clinics can explain which approved treatment options are appropriate for an animal's condition.

What must veterinary businesses do?

The Emirates Drug Establishment has instructed relevant establishments to complete several regulatory steps before the ban takes effect.

These include:

1. Stopping the manufacture, import and supply of affected products.

2. Withdrawing existing quantities from the local market.

3. Re-exporting or disposing of remaining stock according to approved procedures.

4. Providing supporting documents confirming that the required measures have been completed.

The authority is also preparing a monitoring plan to check compliance with the new requirements.

UAE continues efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance

The ciprofloxacin restriction highlights the UAE's wider approach to responsible antimicrobial use.

Antibiotics remain essential for treating bacterial infections, but their inappropriate use can contribute to resistance and make future infections more difficult to manage.

By restricting the veterinary use of selected antibiotics considered particularly important for human medicine, regulators aim to preserve the effectiveness of available treatments while protecting both animal and human health.

Pet owners are encouraged to consult registered veterinary professionals for questions about medicines and treatment options.

Official sources and further information

For the original regulatory announcement and additional details, readers can consult:

• Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE): Official announcement on the ciprofloxacin restriction

• Emirates News Agency (WAM): UAE bans veterinary use of ciprofloxacin from November 1

• UAE Government Portal: Official UAE government information

This article is for general information and does not replace veterinary advice.