
Dubai has strict laws regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol. While tourists can buy alcohol at the duty-free shops at the airport, they cannot purchase it from official liquor stores in the city. Tourists who are 21 or older can buy alcohol from licensed establishments and consume it in private places, such as hotel rooms or apartments. Alcohol is also available in some restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars, but it is not sold in supermarkets and shops.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy wine at Dubai airport? | Yes, at the duty-free shop in the baggage reclaim area. |
| How much wine can you buy? | Up to 4 litres of alcohol per person, or 5 x 75cl bottles of wine per person. |
| Do you need a license to buy wine at the airport? | No, but you will need your passport to prove you are over 21. |
| Can you drink wine in public in Dubai? | No, drinking alcohol in public is forbidden. |
| Can you buy wine in shops in Dubai? | No, alcohol is not available in supermarkets or shops. Tourists may not buy alcohol from official liquor shops in town. |
| Where can tourists buy wine in Dubai? | In licensed establishments, including bars, restaurants, hotel bars, and clubs. |
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What You'll Learn

Tourists can buy wine at Dubai Duty-Free shops
Dubai has strict laws regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol. While drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited, tourists can legally buy alcohol in licensed establishments and consume it in private places, such as their hotel room or a private apartment. To purchase alcohol, tourists must be at least 21 years old and have their passport with them. It is important to note that alcohol is not available in supermarkets or regular shops in Dubai, and can only be purchased from specialised liquor stores or duty-free shops at the airport.
Dubai Duty-Free shops offer a range of alcoholic beverages, including wine, and tourists can take advantage of this to purchase their alcohol upon arrival at the airport. The duty-free shop is conveniently located in the baggage reclaim area, making it accessible for travellers to browse while waiting for their luggage. The alcohol purchased at the airport can be easily transported through the country without any issues and can be consumed in private settings, such as hotel rooms.
It is worth noting that alcohol prices in Dubai tend to be significantly higher than in other countries. Tourists might find it more cost-effective to purchase their alcohol at the airport duty-free shop, as drinks in hotels and restaurants can be particularly expensive. By planning their purchases at the duty-free shop, tourists can save money and ensure they have their preferred alcoholic beverages during their stay in Dubai.
When buying alcohol at the Dubai Duty-Free shops, there are certain allowances to keep in mind. Each person is allowed to purchase up to 4 litres of alcohol, which can include wine, spirits, or a combination of both. For wine specifically, this allowance translates to five 75cl bottles per person. It is important to have your boarding pass ready during the checkout process, as it will be required for the purchase.
In summary, tourists can indeed buy wine at Dubai Duty-Free shops upon arrival at the airport. By understanding the regulations and allowances, tourists can make informed decisions about purchasing alcohol and enjoy their preferred drinks responsibly during their stay in Dubai.
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Alcohol licences are only available to residents
Travellers can buy alcohol at Dubai Duty-Free shops, which are located next to the baggage belts in the arrival hall. Alcohol can also be served in restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars that have a permit. However, drinking alcohol in public is forbidden, and driving under the influence is a serious offence.
To buy alcohol from the official liquor shops in town, a licence is required, and these licences are only available to residents. Tourists are not permitted to purchase alcohol from these shops. Residents can apply for a liquor licence through African + Eastern. Applicants must be 21 years old or above and will need to provide their Emirates ID or passport. The physical card will be ready for collection within 2-3 weeks.
It is worth noting that during the annual Ramadan, alcohol may not be served in many places, including hotels, restaurants, and clubs that usually serve alcoholic drinks.
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Tourists can buy alcohol in licensed establishments
Dubai has strict rules and regulations regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol. While it is available, it is not sold in supermarkets or regular shops. Alcohol in Dubai is only available in licensed establishments, and tourists can legally buy and consume alcohol in private places, such as their hotel rooms or apartments. However, drinking alcohol in public places, such as parks or beaches, is strictly prohibited and can result in detention, fines, or imprisonment.
For tourists visiting Dubai, the legal purchase and consumption of alcohol is permitted in licensed establishments, including hotels, bars, clubs, and specialised liquor stores. Tourists who are at least 21 years old and can present their passports are allowed to buy alcohol during their stay. It is important to note that alcohol licences for liquor shops in town are only available to residents. Therefore, tourists are advised to purchase alcohol at the airport's duty-free shops or from authorised retailers within Dubai.
Dubai's duty-free shops at the airport offer a convenient option for tourists to buy alcohol upon arrival. The duty-free shop is located in the baggage reclaim area, allowing travellers to make their purchases while waiting for their luggage. The alcohol purchased at the airport can be easily transported through the country and consumed in private places, such as hotel rooms. There is a limit of 4 litres of alcoholic beverages per person, which can include wine, spirits, or beer.
When purchasing alcohol in Dubai, it is essential to be mindful of the local laws and regulations. While tourists can legally buy alcohol in licensed establishments, drinking in public or driving under the influence is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe consequences. Additionally, during the annual Ramadan, many places, including licensed hotels, restaurants, and clubs, refrain from serving alcohol.
Dubai's alcohol regulations aim to respect the cultural and religious beliefs of its residents while also accommodating tourists who wish to consume alcohol responsibly during their visit. By following the established rules, tourists can enjoy their alcoholic beverages without disrupting public order or causing any legal issues during their stay in Dubai.
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Alcohol is not available in Dubai's supermarkets
While alcohol is available for purchase in Dubai, it is not sold in supermarkets or regular shops. There are a few options for travellers looking to buy alcohol in Dubai. One option is to purchase alcohol at the duty-free shops at the airport, which are located near the baggage belts in the arrival hall. Another option is to buy alcohol from specialist liquor stores in the city. There are only two retail chains that are legally allowed to sell alcohol in Dubai: African + Eastern and Mercantile and Marketing International (MMI). These stores can often be found in or next to supermarkets, such as Spinneys, and in malls. To purchase alcohol from these stores, tourists must apply for a free permit, which is valid for 30 days and can be extended. This permit can be obtained upon arrival in Dubai or at an African + Eastern store, and it indicates that the holder is a tourist agreeing to abide by the UAE's rules regarding alcohol. Additionally, alcohol can be served in restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars that have the necessary permits. It is important to note that drinking alcohol in public and driving under the influence are considered serious offences in Dubai.
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Drinking alcohol in public is forbidden
Dubai has strict laws regarding the consumption of alcohol. Drinking alcohol in public spaces such as parks, beaches, or on the street is forbidden. Being drunk in public is considered a criminal offence and can lead to punishments of up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 AED. It is important to note that these laws are rarely enforced, but individuals must be aware of them and remain respectful of the Islamic faith that underpins the UAE.
Dubai is very strict about public drunkenness and has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. The police maintain a safe and secure environment, often blending in and dressed as civilians. Drunk driving is a serious offence and can result in custodial sentences, large fines, and licence revocation.
To purchase alcohol at a store in Dubai, both residents and tourists require a license. However, there is an option to avoid the license requirement by purchasing alcohol at the airport's duty-free shops. Tourists can buy alcohol at the duty-free shop located in the baggage reclaim area while waiting for their luggage. The alcohol will be bagged, and you can carry it with your luggage as long as you don't open or display it publicly. Each person is allowed to buy up to four litres of alcohol, which can include wine, spirits, or beer.
It is important to note that drinking alcohol is permitted in licensed restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars attached to licensed hotels. Additionally, individuals are allowed to possess liquor for personal use and drink alcohol within their private residences or hotel rooms. When drinking in Dubai, it is advisable to be discreet and consume alcohol in moderation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy wine at the duty-free shop at Dubai airport. The shop is located next to the baggage belts in the arrival hall. You can buy up to 5 x 75cl bottles of wine per person.
No, you do not need a license to buy alcohol at Dubai airport. However, if you plan to buy alcohol from liquor shops in the city, you will need to apply for a permit. This is free of charge and can be obtained at the airport or at an African + Eastern store.
No, drinking alcohol in public places in Dubai is forbidden. However, you can consume alcohol in private places such as your hotel room or a private apartment.
A glass of wine in Dubai typically costs between $10 and $12.


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