Owais Crawford
Alcohol is not sold in all supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates, and tourists need a license to buy alcohol from retail outlets. However, alcohol can be purchased at Dubai Duty-Free, even without a license. The price of alcohol in cafes, bars, and restaurants in Dubai is very expensive. In contrast, Dubai Duty-Free offers competitive prices, with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label costing 162 dirhams in 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol prices in Dubai | Reasonable and fair |
| Alcohol prices in Dubai Duty-Free | Cheaper than in the UK |
| Alcohol prices in Dubai vs Istanbul | More expensive |
| Alcohol prices in Dubai vs America | Cheaper |
| Alcohol prices in Dubai cafes, bars, and restaurants | Very expensive |
| Dubai Duty-Free price for a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label | 162 dirhams |
| Dubai Duty-Free price for a bottle of Bushmills | 120 dirhams |
| Dubai Duty-Free price for a bottle of Monkey Shoulder | 195 dirhams |
| Alcohol limit for purchase in Dubai Duty-Free | 4 litres per person |
| Alcohol license requirement for tourists in Dubai | Not required for purchasing in Duty-Free |
| Alcohol availability in Dubai supermarkets | Only non-alcoholic beer is available |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol is cheaper at Dubai Airport than in the city
Dubai has strict laws and regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is not sold in all supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates, and you will mostly find non-alcoholic beer. Alcohol is also not available in all restaurants and bars in Dubai, only in those that have a permit to serve it. Due to these restrictions, the price of alcohol in cafes, bars, and restaurants in Dubai is very high.
If you are planning to consume alcohol in Dubai, it is recommended to buy your alcoholic beverages at Dubai Airport. The Duty-Free section of the airport offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks at much cheaper prices than in the city. For example, a bottle of alcohol at Dubai Airport costs the same as a glass of alcohol in a bar in Dubai. In 2024, a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label at Dubai Airport was priced at 162 dirhams, while a bottle of Bushmills was 120 dirhams.
Additionally, tourists may not purchase alcohol from official liquor shops in the town of Dubai, as alcohol licenses are only available to residents. However, at Dubai Airport, tourists can take advantage of the Duty-Free shopping and buy alcohol without a license. Each arriving passenger can buy up to 4 liters of alcohol, which can be a combination of spirits, wine, or beer.
Therefore, if you are looking for affordable alcohol in Dubai, the airport's Duty-Free shops are your best option. The prices are lower than in the city, and you can take advantage of the duty-free allowances as a tourist.
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Tourists can buy alcohol at Dubai Airport without a license
Dubai's laws and guidelines regarding alcohol are strict, and drinking in public is forbidden. However, tourists can buy alcohol at Dubai Airport without a license. The duty-free section of the airport is the cheapest place to buy alcohol in Dubai, and it can be purchased upon arrival or departure. Alcohol can be bought at Dubai Duty Free by the baggage belts in the arrival hall, and these purchases can be taken through the country without any issues.
Previously, only Dubai residents with a special red pass could buy alcohol in Dubai. However, since December 2020, the rules have been relaxed, and tourists can buy alcohol from the two retail chains licensed to sell alcohol: African + Eastern and MMI. Tourists can apply for a free 30-day permit upon arrival in Dubai or at an African + Eastern store, which is required to buy alcohol in stores. This license can be extended for stays longer than 30 days.
In Dubai, alcohol is not sold in supermarkets and shops, and only alcohol-free beer is available. Alcoholic beverages can be served in various restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars if the location has a permit. Western hotels and large hotel chains typically have such a license. The price of alcohol in these locations is expensive, with a glass of Heineken costing around $6 to $8, and a glass of wine between $10 and $12.
It is important to note that drinking alcohol in Sharjah, another emirate in the UAE, is strictly prohibited for everyone, including tourists and residents. Additionally, during Ramadan, many places, including licensed hotels, restaurants, and clubs, do not serve alcohol.
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Alcohol is not sold in all supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a predominantly Muslim nation with stringent regulations governing the acquisition and consumption of alcohol. While drinking alcohol in licensed bars and restaurants is allowed, the sale of alcohol in supermarkets and shops is prohibited. Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife and brunch culture. However, it's important to note that alcohol is not sold in all supermarkets and shops in Dubai.
There are only two retail chains that are officially permitted to sell alcohol in Dubai: African + Eastern and MMI Liquor Store. Prior to 2023, residents of the UAE were required to obtain an alcohol license to purchase alcohol from these stores, but this regulation has since been relaxed, and tourists can now buy alcohol without a license. It is important to note that these stores primarily sell alcoholic beverages to non-Muslim expat residents and tourists, as the sale of alcohol to Muslim residents is prohibited.
Dubai has a unique market environment for alcohol due to the cultural and religious factors influencing the industry. The consumption of alcohol is subject to strict regulations, and drinking in public places like parks or beaches is illegal. As a result, most licensed bars and restaurants serving alcohol are found in hotels. The prices of alcohol in Dubai tend to be higher than in other countries, and a glass of alcohol in a bar can cost around 200 dirhams. However, duty-free stores at Dubai International Airport offer cheaper options for purchasing alcohol, and the removal of taxes on alcohol may lead to further price reductions in the future.
While alcohol is not sold in all supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates, there are alternatives for those who wish to purchase it. In addition to the licensed stores and duty-free shops at the airport, some sources mention that Carrefour offers relatively cheap alcohol options. It is important to stay informed about the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption and to abide by them to avoid any legal consequences.
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Alcohol prices in Dubai are generally reasonable and fair
Additionally, Dubai Airport offers excellent deals on alcohol, such as buy-two-get-one-free promotions on spirits, which can further reduce the cost. It is worth noting that alcohol prices in cafes, bars, and restaurants in Dubai are very high, with a glass of alcohol costing around 200 dirhams. Therefore, purchasing alcohol at the airport is a more cost-effective option.
Moreover, tourists can now buy alcohol in Dubai without an alcohol license, which was previously only available to residents. This change in regulations has made it more convenient and accessible for visitors to purchase alcohol. Dubai also allows the import of alcohol, with a limit of 4 liters of alcoholic beverages per person, which can be a more affordable option if alcohol is cheaper in your country of origin.
While alcohol prices in Dubai may vary depending on the location and type of alcohol, overall, the prices are reasonable, especially at the airport. Additionally, the removal of taxes on alcohol and the planned construction of factories for alcoholic beverages in Dubai may lead to further reductions in alcohol prices in the future.
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Dubai Duty-Free shops are open 24/7
Dubai's Duty-Free shops are open 24/7, so you can always grab a bargain—or a bottle—when you're passing through.
Dubai Duty-Free is one of the largest airport retailers in the world, and it's been a booming business since it opened in 1983. The airport is one of the few places in Dubai where you can buy alcohol, and it's the cheapest place to do so. If you're planning to drink alcohol in Dubai, it's best to buy it at the airport, as alcohol is very expensive in the city's cafes, bars, and restaurants. A glass of alcohol in a bar will set you back about 200 dirhams, but you can buy a bottle of alcohol at the airport for a similar price.
You can buy alcohol at the Duty-Free shops located next to the baggage belts in the arrival hall. You can also buy alcohol in Dubai at two retail chains: African + Eastern and MMI. Previously, only Dubai residents with a special red pass could buy alcohol in these stores, but the rules have been relaxed since December 2020, and now tourists can visit these stores with a free permit. Alcohol is also served in some restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars, but only if the location has a permit.
It's worth noting that Dubai Duty-Free may not be as cheap as some travellers expect. While some items, like cigarettes and chocolate, are known to be cheaper, other items like sunglasses may be a better deal in the UK.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol is considered to be reasonably priced in Dubai airport. A bottle of alcohol at the airport costs the same as a glass in a bar in Dubai. For example, a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label costs 162 dirhams at Dubai airport.
Yes, tourists can buy alcohol at the duty-free shops in Dubai airport without an alcohol license. The license is only issued to UAE residents.
You can buy up to 4 litres of alcohol per person at Dubai airport. This could be 4 x 1-litre bottles of spirits, 5 x 75cl bottles of wine, or a combination of wine and spirits not exceeding 4 litres. Alternatively, you could buy 48 x 335ml cans of beer.
Alcohol is available in some restaurants, hotels, clubs and bars in Dubai, but only if the location has a permit. It is not sold in supermarkets and shops, except for alcohol-free beer. There are also two retail chains that are allowed to sell alcohol: African + Eastern and MMI.
