As a subject matter expert in the field of international trade and regulations, I have a deep understanding of the various reasons why certain products might be banned or restricted in different countries. When it comes to the ban on khukhura, also known as khush khush or poppy seeds, in Dubai and several other Arabian Gulf countries, there are a few key factors to consider.

Firstly, it's important to understand that poppy seeds are derived from the opium poppy plant, which is the source of several narcotics, including opium, morphine, heroin, codeine, and thebaine. While poppy seeds themselves do not contain these narcotics, they can contain trace amounts of opiates that can be detected in drug tests. This is one of the primary reasons why poppy seeds are regulated or banned in some countries, including the UAE.

Secondly, the UAE has strict drug laws, and the consumption or possession of any drug-related substances, even in trace amounts, can lead to severe legal consequences. This includes poppy seeds, which, despite being a common culinary ingredient in many cultures, are considered a controlled substance due to their potential to contain opiates.

Thirdly, the Arabian Gulf countries, including Dubai, are part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC has a unified customs union and often harmonizes its regulations across member states. This means that if one member state decides to ban a product, it is likely that the ban will extend to the entire region.

Fourthly, there is a concern about the potential for misuse. Even though poppy seeds are used widely in cooking, there is a risk that they could be used to produce narcotics. This risk, albeit small, is enough for authorities to take a precautionary approach and ban the seeds to prevent any potential misuse.

Lastly, it's worth noting that the ban is not just about the seeds themselves but also about the products that contain them. This is why the advice from dubai.ae to avoid carrying bakery products that might contain poppy seeds is so important. It's not just the seeds that are banned, but also any products that could potentially be contaminated with them.

In conclusion, the ban on poppy seeds in Dubai and the UAE is a result of a combination of factors, including the potential for trace amounts of opiates, strict drug laws, regional harmonization of regulations, concerns about misuse, and the need to control products that contain the seeds. It's a complex issue that requires a nuanced understanding of both the culinary and legal implications of the ban.

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Also known as khus khus, poppy seeds form a popular spice in routine use in Indian cooking, but the seeds are banned in the UAE and several Arabian Gulf countries. ... --Be careful of carrying poppy seeds, which are banned, so avoid accidentally carrying bakery products that might contain such seeds,-- says dubai.ae.Jul 2, 2014read more >>