Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest international hubs, operates under stringent customs regulations that all travelers must understand to avoid unnecessary complications. Whether arriving in or departing from the UAE, knowing the rules about cash declaration, duty-free allowances, and prohibited items can make the journey seamless and stress-free.

Declare Cash and Valuables Over Dh60,000

Travelers moving through Dubai who carry more than AED 60,000 (or equivalent in other currencies, including precious metals or financial instruments) must declare these amounts to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP).

The declaration process is streamlined via the ICP website or convenient mobile apps like Afseh and iDeclare, designed to help passengers quickly comply with regulations. For travelers under 18, their cash or valuables are counted towards the accompanying adult’s limit, so families should plan accordingly.

Duty-Free Allowances: What’s Permitted Without Additional Charges?

Dubai allows travelers to bring various items duty-free as long as these are for personal use and within set limits. Some of the key allowances include:

• Gifts valued up to AED 3,000 (not for resale)

• Tobacco: 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco (under-18s cannot bring tobacco)

• Alcohol: Up to 4 liters or two cartons of beer (24 cans each; not permitted for under-18s)

• Electronic smoking devices for personal use, subject to inspection

• Personal belongings like clothing, toiletries, electronics, in reasonable quantities

• Commercial samples up to AED 5,000 in value when imported into GCC countries

Duty exemptions apply only if these goods are not carried regularly by frequent travelers or by airport staff and crew members, and the passenger isn’t transporting them for commercial purposes.

Customs Duties on Excess Goods

If travelers exceed these duty-free allowances, standard customs duties apply—typically 5% of the goods’ value plus cost, freight, and insurance. Specific goods have higher rates: alcoholic beverages face a 50% duty, while cigarettes carry 100%. Value Added Tax (VAT) may also be charged on commercial or excessive quantities.

Strict Controls: Restricted and Banned Items

The UAE enforces rigorous regulations on what can be brought into the country. Certain items require permits from relevant authorities—such as weapons controlled by the Ministry of Defence or medicines regulated by the Ministry of Health. Others are outright banned, including narcotics without proper documentation, explosives, personal motorized vehicles like hoverboards, unpermitted drones, counterfeit goods, gambling tools, and materials offensive to Islamic beliefs.

Hand luggage faces careful restrictions too, with sharp objects over 6 cm, flammable liquids, multiple lighters, and some electronic devices subject to prohibition or special permits. Liquids in hand luggage must comply with the 100 ml per container and 1-liter total limit, except for essential medications and baby food.

Navigating Declarations and Customs Inspection

Passengers declare items either verbally, in writing, electronically through apps, or by choosing the green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel (items to declare) upon arrival. Customs officers have the authority to inspect baggage, collect duties, or confiscate prohibited goods. Failure to declare can lead to delays, fines, or legal penalties.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Dubai Airport Experience

To avoid delays, travelers are advised to pre-declare valuables via the iDeclare app or official ICP portals before arrival. Staying updated on prohibited and restricted items is crucial, as regulations may change. Keeping receipts for high-value goods, medicines, and items needing permits will aid smooth processing.

Understanding and respecting Dubai’s customs regulations ensures a hassle-free passage through one of the world’s busiest airports, leaving travelers free to enjoy their time in the UAE without unexpected snags. Whether carrying gifts, cash, or personal items, thorough preparation and compliance with rules will smooth the way through customs checks.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernisation of AlWajh International Airport in the country’s northwest.

The airport has now resumed operations, with Saudia operating three weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah. International services are expected to begin in the near future.

The project represents the first infrastructure delivery completed by RSG under its broadened mandate beyond destination development, reflecting its expanding role in enhancing connectivity, public services, and wider economic growth.

RSG Group CEO John Pagano said the redevelopment goes beyond aviation infrastructure, describing it as a strategic gateway designed to improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and create new opportunities for communities in the region. He added that residents of Tabuk now have access to an upgraded international-standard airport with improved links across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The upgraded facility is now capable of accommodating a wide range of commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as seaplanes. Its annual passenger capacity has increased to 500,000, up from 100,000 previously, with the ability to handle up to 330 passengers per hour across four gates during peak periods.

According to the company, the expansion is expected to support rising demand, strengthen tourism development, and contribute to job creation and broader economic activity across the Tabuk region.

Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Executive Director of Aviation and Airport Operations at Red Sea Global, said the improvements significantly expand capacity for larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. He added that discussions are already underway with airline partners and regulators to further develop future route networks in line with expected demand growth.

The airport is also set to function as a key entry point for AMAALA, the luxury wellness destination located about 45 minutes away by electric vehicle and roughly 20 minutes by seaplane.

Architectural design elements of the renovated terminal draw on the heritage of AlWajh’s historic town and the broader Tabuk coastline, aiming to reflect the region’s cultural identity.

Additional upgrades include enhanced passenger facilities such as premium lounges, cafés, a mini-market, automated banking services, car rental desks, and expanded parking. The terminal has also been equipped to support seaplane and helicopter operations as part of future transport links to AMAALA.

Source: ZAWYA

China added 80 new international air cargo routes during the first five months of 2026, according to data released by the Air Logistics Committee of the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) as of May 31.

The expansion was largely focused on Europe and Asia. Of the newly established routes, 35 connect China with destinations across Europe, while 33 serve Asian markets. Ten routes were launched to North America, with one route each linking China to South America and Africa.

In May alone, 11 new international air cargo routes entered service, including seven connecting China with other Asian countries, three serving European destinations, and one linking to North America.

The new routes are primarily used to transport cross-border e-commerce shipments, advanced manufactured products, high-value goods, and fresh agricultural produce.

Industry experts say the continued growth of China's international air freight network is helping diversify transportation options and support export-driven industries. Peng Chun, Deputy Director of the Department of Logistics Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that the expanded network helps reduce pressure on maritime and rail freight services while providing faster logistics solutions for high-value exports.

Peng added that the increase in international cargo routes also strengthens China's transportation resilience and contributes to greater supply chain security by enhancing independent logistics capabilities.

Source: CGTN

Bahrain International Airport has confirmed that the kingdom’s airspace remains open and that flight operations continue as normal, reaffirming Bahrain’s connectivity with destinations worldwide.

In a statement shared on X, the airport said its team remains focused on providing a smooth travel experience for passengers while maintaining regular flight services.

The update came after an Air India Express flight scheduled to operate from Kochi to Bahrain was cancelled on Thursday morning. The cancellation left 122 passengers stranded in Kochi.

Because the aircraft did not arrive in Bahrain, the return service from Bahrain to Kochi, scheduled to depart at 3pm, was also cancelled. The disruption affected an additional 178 passengers.

According to an airline official quoted by the Gulf Daily News (GDN), affected travelers were offered the choice of receiving a full refund or being rebooked on the next available flight.

Airport authorities have not reported any restrictions to Bahrain’s airspace, and flight operations continue across the kingdom’s aviation network.

Source: ZAWYA

Passengers at Brussels Airport will no longer need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage during security checks, the airport announced on Friday as part of a major modernization of its security screening system.

The revamp at the Zaventem airport will take place over the next several years, with the first new scanners expected to be operational in 2028. By 2029, the entire departure security system will be replaced with cutting-edge technology, including CT scanners for hand luggage and advanced body scanners for passengers.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority,” said Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist. “With this new technology, we will not only maintain the highest safety standards but also make security screening faster and more convenient for travelers.”

Currently, passengers must remove laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices from their bags, and liquids are limited to one litre in containers no larger than 100 millilitres. The new CT scanners will allow these items to remain in hand luggage, and under European regulations, passengers will be allowed to carry up to two litres of liquids per bag.

A test of a new body scanner is scheduled for June, with the construction of an additional temporary screening platform planned in 2027 to accommodate the new technology. Once the first scanners are operational in 2028, phased upgrades of all 19 departure lanes will be completed by summer 2029. Transfer passenger lanes will be upgraded at a later stage.

Feist emphasized that the new scanners will also increase security screening capacity, preparing the airport for future growth in passenger numbers.

The initiative is part of Brussels Airport’s Hub 3.0 program, designed to enhance passenger experience and maintain the airport as a “convenient, comfortable, and future-proof European hub.” Similar CT scanner systems are already in operation at major European airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Dublin, Rome Fiumicino, and Frankfurt.

Kuwait International Airport has activated its emergency response plan after Terminal One was struck by missiles and drones reportedly launched from Iran, causing injuries and damage to airport facilities, officials confirmed.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), said authorities immediately implemented established emergency protocols to protect passengers, staff, and airport infrastructure.

Air traffic has been suspended, and inbound and outbound flights have been diverted to nearby airports until further notice, Al-Rajhi added.

Technical teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage to facilities before repair operations begin. Security and contingency measures remain in place to ensure the safe resumption of airport operations.

The incident underscores ongoing regional tensions and highlights the importance of airport emergency preparedness in safeguarding travelers and aviation infrastructure.