Despite its historically rigid stance on cannabis-related substances, the UAE has recently taken calculated steps toward cautiously engaging with cannabidiol under controlled frameworks. While personal possession of cannabis remains illegal, in January 2022, the UAE revised Federal Law No. 14, softening penalties for first-time offenders and opening the door to discussions on therapeutic applications of non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Though there’s no domestic cultivation or extraction of hemp or cannabis for commercial purposes, Dubai Science Park has been hosting forums involving companies like LCGC Middle East and Thermo Fisher Scientific to explore the analytical testing of imported CBD samples, often using supercritical CO2 extraction methods for pharmaceutical-grade isolates. These discussions gained traction after the Dubai Municipality allowed limited registration of topical CBD cosmetics in 2021, following the European model. Imported products, especially those manufactured under EU-GMP protocols by firms like Mile High Labs and PharmaHemp, have entered the UAE market as part of clinical and cosmetic research initiatives. Strict customs protocols limit full-spectrum imports due to trace THC content, reinforcing the dominance of isolates over broader cannabinoid formulations.

Nanoemulsion-based delivery is beginning to appear in imported cosmetics tested under the Dubai Central Laboratory System, with growing consumer interest in water-based serums and facial applications. However, oral or ingestible CBD remains banned, aligning with GCC food safety regulations, and echoing ongoing global debates surrounding CBD in consumables. With the FDA still withholding formal approval for CBD in foods and beverages, the UAE has mirrored these uncertainties, stalling any broader inclusion. Regulatory hurdles have also affected international e-commerce firms like Endoca and Nordic Oil, whose shipping restrictions highlight the difficulty of penetrating this tightly controlled yet potentially lucrative market.According to the research report, "UAE Cannabidiol Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the UAE Cannabidiol market is anticipated to grow at more than 16.95% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.In this evolving landscape, Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone has emerged as a logistical hub for international CBD brands to distribute non-ingestible products across the Middle East under customs-cleared status, marking one of the few operational gateways for regulated cannabidiol commerce in the region. UK-based company Cannaray has recently initiated partnership discussions with UAE-based beauty retailer Faces to pilot its CBD skincare range through brick-and-mortar outlets in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, riding on growing demand for functional wellness products. Meanwhile, Bioscript, a pharmacy chain in Abu Dhabi, has launched a medical consultation program in collaboration with Swiss firm Cibdol, offering CBD-derived creams for arthritis and skin conditions under strict prescription-only access.

Events like Beautyworld Middle East have featured panels discussing how CBD-infused cosmetics align with halal compliance and sustainable sourcing, especially as consumers seek organic, cruelty-free alternatives. Distribution constraints remain a major bottleneck, with high scrutiny at ports and dependency on lab certifications from entities like Intertek and TÜV SÜD for purity and non-detectable THC thresholds. Unlike Western markets saturated by unverified products, the UAE’s tight control has minimized exposure to counterfeit goods but also slowed market diversification. Regulatory clarity is lacking around customizable CBD blends, delaying innovation in tailored wellness regimens or digital dosing apps like those developed by Dosist. Still, companies like Green Times Brewing are reportedly in talks to bring alcohol-free hemp-infused beverages into Expo City for research-driven consumer testing, signaling the region’s interest in global trends without immediate legislative overhaul. In the UAE, oils and tinctures are one of the most popular cannabidiol (CBD) product forms due to their ease of use and ability to deliver precise dosages.

Residents of Dubai and Abu Dhabi often seek these products for their therapeutic benefits, especially for managing conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. CBD oils and tinctures are available in various concentrations and are commonly sold in health stores, wellness clinics, and through online platforms. Capsules and softgels are also in demand as they offer a convenient and discreet way to incorporate CBD into daily routines. These products are favored by individuals who prefer a no-fuss, controlled dosage method. In the UAE, where the population has a busy, high-pressure lifestyle, CBD capsules offer a simple solution for maintaining wellness. Gummies and confectionery products are also gaining traction, particularly among younger consumers in cities like Dubai.

These edible forms of CBD provide an enjoyable and discreet method of consumption, which aligns with the growing trend toward functional foods and beverages in the UAE. Topicals and skincare products infused with CBD are becoming increasingly popular in the UAE, where skincare and beauty routines are important aspects of daily life. CBD-infused creams, lotions, and balms are marketed for their potential to reduce inflammation, moisturize the skin, and treat conditions such as eczema or acne. With a large number of residents seeking natural skincare solutions, CBD topicals are sold in high-end skincare boutiques across major cities. Finally, vape products are also emerging in the UAE market, particularly in areas like Dubai, where there is a growing interest in alternative wellness practices. Despite legal restrictions, some specialized stores offer CBD vaping products, appealing to those seeking quick relief from stress and anxiety.In the UAE, wellness and personal use remains the significant segment for cannabidiol products, with a rising number of consumers seeking CBD for stress relief, improved sleep quality, and general well-being.

The fast-paced lifestyle in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi has made wellness a top priority, and CBD offers a natural alternative for those looking to alleviate mental and physical health issues. Nutraceuticals and supplements are another major category in the UAE market, with CBD becoming a key ingredient in many dietary supplements. Health-conscious consumers in the UAE are increasingly aware of the potential benefits of CBD for boosting overall health and supporting immune functions. The rise of wellness-focused platforms and influencers in the UAE has led to an uptick in demand for nutraceuticals containing CBD. In addition, pet care products containing CBD are finding their place in the UAE market, especially among pet owners in urban areas. CBD oils and treats are marketed for their potential to alleviate anxiety, pain, and other ailments in pets, making them highly sought after in Dubai, where pet ownership is common among expatriates.

The cosmetics and skincare sector is also a significant driver of CBD consumption in the UAE, as skincare is a prominent part of the cultural beauty routine. CBD-infused creams and serums are becoming increasingly available in top-tier malls and beauty stores. The pharmaceuticals market is expanding as CBD-based medicines are gaining approval for treating specific conditions like epilepsy and chronic pain. With advancements in medical cannabis regulations, CBD is increasingly being prescribed in specialized clinics across the UAE. Food and beverages sector is slowly embracing CBD, with cafes and restaurants in Dubai experimenting with CBD-infused beverages like coffee, smoothies, and even desserts. In the UAE, marijuana-derived CBD is subject to strict regulations, given the country's conservative stance on cannabis use.

However, there is a growing acceptance of medical cannabis, especially in specialized healthcare settings. In 2019, the UAE legalized medical cannabis for specific therapeutic use, which paved the way for marijuana-derived CBD products to be prescribed by doctors for patients with certain medical conditions. While these products are tightly regulated, the growing demand for CBD-based treatments in medical centers in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi indicates the potential for future growth in this sector. On the other hand, hemp-derived CBD has a more prominent role in the UAE market. Hemp cultivation and the extraction of CBD from hemp are not subject to the same legal restrictions as marijuana. As a result, hemp-derived CBD products are more widely available and are sold in stores and online.

These products are marketed as being legal for personal use, offering benefits such as pain relief, relaxation, and improved sleep quality. With the increasing acceptance of hemp-derived products in the UAE, local companies are starting to invest in the cultivation of hemp, particularly in free zones that allow for controlled farming of the plant. Hemp-derived CBD is also featured in various consumer goods such as skincare products, supplements, and even textiles. The UAE’s import regulations also make it easier for international hemp CBD products to enter the market, with companies in Dubai becoming hubs for CBD importation and distribution.  Considered in this report• Historic Year: 2019• Base year: 2024• Estimated year: 2025• Forecast year: 2030Aspects covered in this report• Cannabidiol Market with its value and forecast along with its segments• Various drivers and challenges• On-going trends and developments• Top profiled companies• Strategic recommendationBy Product Form• Oils & Tinctures• Capsules & Softgels• Gummies & Confectionery• Topicals / Skin Care• Vape Products• OthersBy End Use• Wellness & Personal Use• Nutraceuticals & Supplements• Pet Care• Cosmetics & Skin Care• Pharmaceuticals• Food & BeveragesBy Source• Marijuana• Hemp.