Middle East Airline Carry-On Rules 2026: Emirates, Qatar, Etihad

Middle East carriers operate some of the world's most heavily traveled long-haul routes and are known for consistent enforcement of their bag policies. Understanding the specifics before you fly saves time, money, and stress at some of the world's busiest hub airports.

Carrier-by-Carrier Rules (2026)

Emirates

Emirates Economy includes one 55×38×22 cm bag up to 7 kg, without a universal additional personal bag. Premium Economy allows one up to 10 kg. Business/First normally pair a 55×38×22 cm bag with a 45×35×20 cm briefcase, each up to 7 kg. Brazil/India and garment-bag exceptions need ticket-specific confirmation.

Qatar Airways

• Economy: 1 carry-on bag, maximum 7 kg, dimensions up to 50 x 37 x 25 cm
• Business Class: 2 carry-on bags, total 15 kg
• First Class: 2 carry-on bags, total 15 kg
• Each cabin bag measures at most 50×37×25 cm. A separate laptop bag counts as a cabin piece. US departures allow one cabin bag plus one personal item; Brazil has an Economy weight exception.
• Note that Qatar's size limit is slightly smaller than Emirates' on the length dimension — check if your bag fits before assuming

Etihad Airways

Etihad Economy includes one 56×36×23 cm bag up to 7 kg, with personal belongings inside. Business/First/Residence allow two main bags sharing 12 kg, or one main bag up to 12 kg to/from the US, plus a 23×39×19 cm personal bag up to 5 kg. Confirm the operating airline and ticket; the checker cannot add two bags’ weights.

flydubai

All flydubai Economy fares, including Lite, include one 55×38×20 cm bag up to 7 kg. Business includes two bags up to 7 kg each,14 kg total. The 25×33×20 cm personal item is within the allowance, not extra weight. Gate excess costs AED 200/USD 55 per item, plus possible local charges; payment does not buy a larger cabin bag.

Air Arabia

Air Arabia includes one 55×40×20 cm cabin bag up to 7 kg plus one 25×33×20 cm personal item up to 3 kg. The combined 10 kg includes duty-free purchases; it is not a 10 kg allowance for one main bag. Check the operating airline and booked fare. The fare tables include this allowance in Basic, Value and Ultimate; checked inclusions vary.

Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines)

Saudia Guest permits one 56×45×25 cm bag up to 7 kg; First/Business permits one 12 kg main bag plus a separate 45×20×35 cm briefcase up to 9 kg. For USA/Canada departures to Saudi Arabia, only one item up to 16 lb and 45 in is published for all classes. Confirm that route exception; the checker does not resolve departure airports. One additional listed personal article is allowed; its numeric limits are not published.

Airport Security: Key Differences by Hub

Dubai International (DXB)

Dubai runs a strict, well-staffed security operation. Liquids rules are enforced consistently. Electronics (laptops, large tablets) must be removed from bags. Shoes are typically required to come off. Expect thorough checks during high-traffic periods. Allow extra time — particularly when transiting from a long-haul flight to a connection.

Doha Hamad International (DOH)

Hamad is widely considered one of the most efficient transit hubs in the region. Security lanes are well-managed and fast-moving. Liquid rules mirror international standards. Transit passengers with tight connections are generally prioritized.

Abu Dhabi Zayed International (AUH)

Abu Dhabi is unique: it houses a US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility for flights to the United States. Passengers clear US customs before departure, arriving in the US through domestic terminals. This means arriving in the US without having to go through customs and immigration on landing — a significant time saver for connections.

Pre-clearance screening at Abu Dhabi is more intensive than a standard international security check. Allow 90 minutes before a US-bound departure.

Sharjah International (SHJ)

Sharjah is Air Arabia's main hub. Security is standard but the airport is smaller and busier than Dubai proportionally. Check-in queues can be long during peak morning and evening departure windows.

Hand-in-Cabin Requirement

A bag may need hold carriage if it cannot be accommodated or exceeds the allowance. Confirm any charge, remove restricted batteries and valuables, and ask where the bag will be returned. No universal free jet-bridge return is guaranteed.

What to Expect in Economy

A compliant bag does not guarantee overhead-bin space. Follow the operating airline’s stowage instructions and confirm excess handling separately.

flydubai includes the cabin bag in all Economy fares. A compliant bag still does not guarantee overhead space; follow crew instructions and confirm handling if it goes into the hold.

Tips for Traveling Through Middle East Hubs

• Weigh your bag before leaving home. The 7 kg limit is firm and bag scales are common at Gulf carrier check-in desks.
• Measure Etihad’s 56×36×23 cm limit. A 40 cm wide case exceeds its 36 cm width.
• For Abu Dhabi US-bound flights, treat pre-clearance like a second security screening and budget time for it.
• Duty-free liquids purchased in Dubai or Doha are allowed in sealed STEBs. Keep the receipt in the bag for connections through other airports.
• Transit passengers passing through Dubai or Doha between international legs do not need to re-check bags — they transfer in the secure landside area.