Antheads, whilst its true that in certain parts of the ME, there are some rather stringent interpretations regarding what the authorities consider controlled substances, the vast majority of passengers merely transit DXB, which means you don't clear customs, nor do you enter the country.
What that essentially does is lower the risk that you may inadvertently import something that is prohibited, but just like Oz, ignorance is no defence.
There are plenty of websites dedicated to this very subject for any number of countries around the world....if the travelling public choose to ignore the pertinent info that's available...then more fool them.
The last paragraph in the article sums things up perfectly..
According to the medical department of the United Arab Embassy in London, any medication is acceptable if it has been prescribed by a doctor and the passenger has a prescription including name, address and date of birth.
Where is the ambiguity in that?