No, but ephedrine is. Some variants of OTC cold/flu concoctions do contain ephedrine or a derivative and some varieties of Beechams Powders might well do.

Being from the US, I'm not directly familiar with Beecham's Powders, but the information I googled didn't indicate there was anything other than aspirin and caffeine in them. As nearly as I can tell Beecham has more than one product, but only one is labeled "Beecham's Powders"

It's also worth knowing that items sold under the same (or very similar) marketing name can have different formulations in different countries. I don't know if that is true for Beecham's Powders, but it is certainly true for some cough medicine formulations*. If you are not aware of this, it can catch you out.

And to emphasize what others have pointed out: being able to buy a medicine/remedy/drug Over-The-Counter (OTC) in the UK does not mean it is legal to possess in all countries outside the UK, and vice-versa.

*An example is (Canada) BENYLIN Regular Strength Cough and Chest congestion Syrup contains Dextromethorphan; (UK) BENYLIN Chesty Cough Original does not.

I bet this is a text book case of left hand and right hand not knowing etc etc... 10 bucks says the Ministry of Health has introduced legislation to control / ban import and use of fake, expired and inappropriate meds, without considering implications for EK/tourism/transit pax/DAC etc etc.

Either this won't be enforced in the airport; or it will be, and there will be international outcry following a handful of arrests, and the law will be changed/muted; or EK and DAC will see passenger numbers fall (further) as a consequence.

I travel with a pod of antibiotics, some painkillers, a few other emergency meds. I'll vote with my feet, on principal and choice, and will just avoid EK + Dubai until there's some clarity.

One thing puzzling me, though - is this Dubai only, or UAE? I passed through AHD on the Unmentionable the other day and there was absolutely no sign of checks or searches, no signage, no warnings that I could see. The Unmentionable upgraded me to 1st, too :ok:- so maybe the solution is to fly EH or QR until Dubai gets their act together.

Like many things in the UAE it a rule, but perhaps not often enforced with any vigour. Until that is you upset someone more important or well connected than yourself. The real problem may be difficult to prosecute but sending you to jail for some cough medicine satisfies the local ego and you have no grounds to complain because you did actually break the law!