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Alcohol is available at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Dubai Duty-Free, the dominant retailer in each concourse, sells liquor alongside other products like perfume, books, chocolate, electronics, and tobacco. Alcohol can also be purchased on flights to Dubai and in licensed venues in the city, such as hotels, restaurants, and clubs. However, it is a punishable offence under UAE law to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public. Dubai's alcohol prices are also notably higher than in other countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking alcohol in Dubai airport | Allowed |
| Drinking alcohol in Dubai | Allowed in licensed venues, such as hotels, restaurants and clubs |
| Buying alcohol in Dubai airport | Allowed in Duty-Free shops |
| Buying alcohol in Dubai | Allowed in licensed venues, not in supermarkets or shops |
| Alcohol prices in Dubai airport | Expensive |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol is available at Dubai Airport's duty-free shops
Dubai has strict laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public, and there are high penalties for importing, purchasing, and drinking alcohol without a license. However, alcohol is available at Dubai Airport's duty-free shops, located next to the baggage belts in the arrival hall.
Dubai Duty Free, the dominant retailer in each concourse of Dubai International Airport (DXB), offers dedicated shops and counters for various products, including tobacco and liquor. Alcohol is also available for purchase at the airport upon arrival, which can be consumed in your hotel room or by the pool. It is important to note that alcohol prices in Dubai are generally higher than in other countries, and even duty-free beer can be expensive compared to UK supermarkets.
While alcohol is available at Dubai Airport, it is essential to consume it responsibly and only in permitted areas. Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Dubai, and public drunkenness is considered a criminal offense with high prison sentences. It is also important to note that alcohol is not sold in supermarkets and regular shops in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
If you plan to consume alcohol during your stay in Dubai, it is recommended to purchase it at the airport upon arrival. Alcohol can also be served in licensed restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars, but it is important to ensure that the location has the necessary permits. Additionally, alcohol is often not served on Fridays for religious reasons.
When consuming alcohol in Dubai, it is crucial to be mindful of the local laws and customs. While alcohol is available at the airport and in licensed venues, drinking in public or being intoxicated in public spaces is strictly prohibited.
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Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Dubai
Dubai has strict laws regarding the consumption of alcohol. While it is not banned, there are rules in place that govern where and how it can be consumed. Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Dubai, and doing so can result in arrest and imprisonment. The same applies to public drunkenness and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) both sell alcohol in their duty-free shops, and it is legal to consume alcohol in the airport's lounges and bars. However, it is important to remain sensible and respectful while drinking in the airport, as it is still a gateway to a country with strict laws on alcohol consumption.
Tourists and visitors can purchase and consume alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants, and clubs. However, these venues often require a permit to serve alcohol, and the prices are typically much higher than in other countries. Alcohol is not sold in supermarkets or regular shops in Dubai, and importing alcohol is limited to 4 liters of alcoholic beverages per person.
It is important to respect the local laws and customs when visiting Dubai, and to be aware of the potential consequences of drinking in public or being intoxicated in a public space. While alcohol is not prohibited, it is heavily regulated, and ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse for breaking it.
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Alcohol is served in licensed restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars
Alcohol is available in Dubai, despite some misconceptions that it is completely banned. Dubai has rules regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol, and these vary across the Emirates. For example, the sale and drinking of alcohol in the Emirate of Sharjah are prohibited. However, in Dubai, alcohol is served in licensed restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) both have duty-free shops that sell alcohol, and these are located next to the baggage belts in the arrival hall. Alcohol purchased at the airport can be consumed in your hotel room. It is also possible to buy alcohol in Dubai and take it home without any problems. However, liquor licenses are only available to residents, and it is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public, with British nationals having been arrested and charged under this law.
Many Western hotels and large hotel chains have licenses to serve alcohol, and it is also available on many excursions, such as dhow cruises and dune safaris. Alcohol is more expensive in Dubai than in some other countries, with a normal glass of Heineken (0.33cl) costing around $6 to $8, and a glass of wine between $10 and $12. Cocktails start at $12 and can go up to $35. It is also worth noting that alcohol is often not served on Fridays for religious reasons.
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Alcohol is more expensive in Dubai than in other countries
Alcohol is available for purchase in Dubai, despite some misconceptions that it is banned. Drinking alcohol is part of Dubai's culture, although it is heavily regulated. Dubai has strict laws prohibiting public drunkenness and drinking in public, with penalties including high prison sentences. Tourists can buy and consume alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants, and clubs. However, they cannot obtain a liquor licence, which is only available to non-Muslim residents.
Alcohol in Dubai is notoriously more expensive than in other countries. A pint of beer can cost around 45 AED (€11 or £8) in hotel bars, while a glass of Heineken (0.33cl) is priced at 6 to 8 dollars, and a glass of wine is between 10 and 12 dollars. Cocktails are even pricier, starting at 12 dollars and going up to 35 dollars.
The high prices are due to several factors. Firstly, alcohol is subject to various taxes and fees. Until recently, there was a 30% municipality tax on alcohol sales, which has since been suspended for a year to boost tourism. Additionally, there was an annual licence fee of AED 270 (€70 or £60) required to buy alcohol for consumption at home, which has also been waived until the end of 2023. While the removal of these taxes has made alcohol more affordable, it is still significantly more expensive than in other countries due to other factors.
Another factor contributing to the high prices is the monopoly on alcohol sales held by only two major purveyors, MMI and African+Eastern. These companies have significant control over pricing and can keep prices high without much competition.
Furthermore, alcohol cannot be purchased in supermarkets and regular shops in Dubai, only in liquor stores and duty-free shops. This limited availability drives up prices, as there are fewer options for purchasing alcohol, and these specialised stores often have higher overhead costs.
It is important to note that drinking alcohol in Dubai requires caution. While the laws have been relaxed to encourage tourism, it remains a sensitive issue. Tourists should be aware that drinking in public or being intoxicated in public can lead to arrest and legal repercussions. It is crucial to respect the local laws and customs and consume alcohol only in designated licensed venues.
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Tourists can buy and drink alcohol in Dubai
Dubai has a reputation for being a luxurious holiday destination, but many tourists are unsure whether they can drink alcohol in the city and at the airport. Alcohol is not banned in Dubai, and tourists can buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants, and clubs. However, it is important to be respectful of the local laws and customs, as drinking in public is prohibited and can lead to strict punishments.
Dubai has a vibrant cocktail scene, with licensed restaurants, hotels, and hotel bars serving a wide range of drinks. Tourists can also purchase alcohol from licensed shops and supermarkets, but it is important to note that alcohol-free beer is commonly found in supermarkets. If you want to buy alcoholic beer, you will need to look for a licensed shop.
Tourists should also be aware that drinking and driving is illegal in Dubai, and public drunkenness is not tolerated. It is important to always stay within your limits when drinking in public. Additionally, alcohol cannot be purchased from any store without a license, which can be obtained by residents and tourists over the age of 21 who earn more than $800 per month. However, tourists can avoid this requirement by purchasing alcohol at the airport duty-free and consuming it in their hotel rooms.
Dubai has a unique set of rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption due to its Islamic cultural background. While alcohol is allowed, it is important for tourists to respect the local laws and customs by consuming alcohol only in licensed venues or private accommodations. By following these guidelines, tourists can responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages during their visit to Dubai.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can drink alcohol at Dubai Airport. You can also buy alcohol at the Duty-Free shops, which are located next to the baggage belts in the arrival hall.
Yes, you can drink alcohol in Dubai, but only in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants and clubs. Drinking or being under the influence of alcohol in public is a punishable offence under UAE law.
Alcohol in Dubai Airport is generally expensive. A normal price for a beer is around 35 Dhs.
If you have loungekey or priority pass, you can drink in the paid airport lounges. If you are in Terminal 1, the Skyteam lounge is recommended as it has an open bar.
Alcohol is not sold in supermarkets and shops in Dubai. You can buy alcohol at the airport or in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants and clubs.
