UAE bans ciprofloxacin for animals to combat antimicrobial resistance

The UAE has announced a ban on the use of ciprofloxacin for veterinary purposes starting November 1, 2026, as part of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and protect the effectiveness of medicines used to treat infections in humans.

The decision was issued by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) following the classification of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, as Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIAs) in human medicine.

Why Has the UAE Banned Ciprofloxacin for Veterinary Use?

Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics, which is used to treat certain bacterial infections in humans.

According to the EDE, inappropriate use of these antibiotics in animals can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive treatments that would normally eliminate them, potentially making infections more difficult to treat.

The ban aims to preserve the effectiveness of existing treatments and reduce the public health risks associated with antibiotic resistance.

What Does the Ban Cover?

The decision applies to veterinary medicinal products and raw materials containing ciprofloxacin. It affects nine veterinary products, including eight imported products and one locally registered product.

Ahead of the implementation date, the EDE has taken regulatory measures to identify the products and materials covered by the ban and notify the relevant establishments of their obligations.

Measures Veterinary Establishments Must Follow

The EDE has instructed the affected establishments to complete several steps before the ban takes effect on November 1, 2026.

These include:

Stop manufacturing and supplying: Manufacturing, importing and supplying the affected products must cease.

Withdraw existing stock: Products currently available in the local market must be withdrawn before the deadline.

Re-export or dispose of remaining stock: Any remaining quantities must be re-exported or disposed of in accordance with approved procedures.

Submit supporting documents: Establishments must provide documentation confirming that all required measures have been completed.

The authority is also preparing a monitoring plan to assess compliance and ensure that the affected establishments complete the required procedures within the specified timeframe.

Scientific Research Behind the Decision

The decision follows research into antimicrobial resistance, including studies submitted by United Arab Emirates University.

The findings contributed to the assessment of the risks associated with ciprofloxacin use in animals and the need for regulatory intervention to protect human health.

The EDE said scientific evidence is essential when determining how antimicrobial substances should be regulated and how their use should be prioritised across different sectors.

EDE Highlights Commitment to Public Health

Dr Ruqaya Aqeel Al Bastaki, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Products Regulation Sector at the Emirates Drug Establishment, emphasised the importance of assessing the risks associated with individual antimicrobial substances.

She explained that effective regulation requires understanding how these risks affect treatment priorities in both human and veterinary medicine.

Al Bastaki also highlighted the role of scientific evidence in determining appropriate regulatory measures and reaffirmed the establishment's commitment to proactively addressing antimicrobial resistance and protecting public health.

What the Ban Means for the UAE

The restriction marks another step in the UAE's efforts to promote responsible antimicrobial use and limit the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.

By restricting veterinary use of ciprofloxacin and requiring affected products to be removed from the market, the EDE aims to help preserve the effectiveness of essential antibiotics and safeguard public health for the future.