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Dubai is known for its strict laws and regulations surrounding the consumption and purchase of alcohol. While alcohol is not banned in Dubai, there are specific rules and restrictions in place. Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars, but drinking in public places is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe punishments. To purchase alcohol at a store in Dubai, both residents and tourists previously required an alcohol license. However, since 2020, the rules have been relaxed, and tourists can buy alcohol from specific retail chains without a license. Additionally, tourists can purchase alcohol at the Dubai airport's duty-free shops, located near the baggage claim area, with a limit of four litres of alcoholic beverages per person.
Alcohol in Dubai Airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | Alcohol is available for purchase at the duty-free shops in Dubai Airport |
| Location | Duty-free shops are located next to the baggage belts in the arrival hall |
| Purchase Limit | Up to 4 litres of alcohol per person |
| Examples | 4 x 1-litre bottles of spirits, 5 x 75cl bottles of wine, or 48 x 335ml cans of beer |
| Alcohol License | Not required at the airport |
| Consumption | Allowed in licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars attached to licensed hotels |
| Public Drinking | Strictly prohibited and punishable by law |
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What You'll Learn
Tourists can buy alcohol at Dubai Airport's duty-free shops
Dubai is known for its strict rules and regulations surrounding the consumption and purchase of alcohol. While many people think that alcohol is banned in Dubai, it is not. Tourists can buy alcohol at Dubai Airport's duty-free shops, located next to the baggage belts in the arrival hall. There is a limit of four litres of alcohol per person, which can include 4 x 1-litre bottles of spirits, 5 x 75cl bottles of wine, or 48 x 335ml cans of beer. It is important to note that you will need to show your boarding pass at the checkout.
Dubai has a good understanding of its visitors' and non-Muslim residents' desire for alcoholic beverages. Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars attached to licensed hotels. Drinking in public places, including beaches, is unacceptable and punishable by law. Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and the police are always on the lookout, dressed as civilians.
To purchase alcohol at a store in Dubai, both residents and tourists previously required an alcohol license. However, since December 2020, the rules have been relaxed, and tourists can buy alcohol from specific stores without a license. These stores, including African + Eastern and MMI, can be found in malls and next to supermarkets. The windows of these shops are taped shut to prevent Muslims from seeing the alcohol bottles.
It is important to be mindful of local customs and regulations when consuming alcohol in Dubai. While drinking is allowed in certain places, it is best to refer to alcohol generically when posting on social media. Instead of mentioning specific alcoholic drinks, it is advisable to say something like, "I am enjoying a drink at the hotel."
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Alcohol licences are only available to residents
Dubai has strict laws regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol. While tourists can buy alcohol at the duty-free shop at the airport, they are not permitted to purchase alcohol from official liquor shops in town. Alcohol licenses are only available to residents of the United Arab Emirates who are over the age of 21.
To obtain a liquor license in Dubai, residents must present a valid Emirates ID at any African + Eastern store, which is the government-owned liquor retailer in Dubai. The license is typically valid for one year and must be renewed before expiration to continue purchasing alcoholic beverages legally. It is important to note that drinking alcohol in public spaces is strictly prohibited and may result in legal consequences. Dubai also maintains a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol, which is a serious criminal offense that can result in severe penalties.
Tourists visiting Dubai can purchase alcohol from duty-free shops at the airport or consume alcohol in licensed restaurants, pubs, and hotels without a license. If tourists wish to purchase alcohol from liquor stores in Dubai, they can apply for an instant 30-day alcohol license by presenting their passport and Dubai entry stamp at any African + Eastern store. This option is not available to resident visa holders in Dubai. With a temporary license, tourists can also benefit from the Legal Home Delivery service, which offers next-day delivery for orders placed before 12 pm with a minimum order value of Dhs150, including 5% VAT.
It is important for both residents and tourists to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding alcohol in Dubai. While the city offers a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, pubs, lounges, and nightclubs, responsible alcohol consumption and adherence to the drinking laws are crucial to avoid legal consequences.
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Drinking in public places is unacceptable and punishable
Dubai is known for its party scene and boozy brunches, but it's important to remember that it is still part of the Middle East and operates under Sharia law. While drinking is allowed in Dubai, there are strict rules and regulations in place that you should be aware of. Drinking in public places like beaches or parks is unacceptable and punishable by law. This includes being drunk in public, which can lead to severe consequences such as a sentence of up to six months in jail or hefty fines.
Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and this extends to even a single liqueur chocolate. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be punished severely, with penalties including a jail sentence of up to six months, a fine of around AED 5000, or both. It is also important to note that you need a license to purchase alcohol at a store in Dubai, and these are only available to residents.
However, tourists can take advantage of the duty-free shops at the airport, where they can purchase alcohol without a license. There is a limit of 4 liters of alcohol per person, which can include 4 x 1-liter bottles of spirits, 5 x 75cl bottles of wine, or 48 x 335ml cans of beer. Keep in mind that drinking in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars attached to licensed hotels is permitted.
While the laws in Dubai may seem strict, they are in place to maintain the safety and well-being of both residents and tourists. It is important to respect these rules and enjoy alcohol responsibly within the designated areas to avoid any legal consequences.
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Dubai has zero tolerance for drinking and driving
Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, with severe penalties for those caught with alcohol in their system while driving. The city has some of the strictest drink-and-drive fines globally, reflecting its uncompromising stance. Any detectable amount of alcohol in the bloodstream is considered an offence, and offenders may face heavy fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and even deportation for expatriates.
Dubai's drink-and-drive laws have evolved over time, becoming increasingly stringent to match the city's rapid development and focus on safety. The increase in tourism and expatriate communities led to a rise in alcohol-related incidents, prompting the government to take stringent measures. With the introduction of harsher fines, zero-tolerance Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels, and aggressive law enforcement, Dubai has effectively minimised alcohol-related accidents.
It is important to note that alcohol consumption is permitted in Dubai, but it is heavily regulated. Tourists can purchase alcohol at the duty-free shops in the airport upon arrival, with a limit of 4 litres of alcohol or 2 cartons of beer per person. However, drinking in public places, including streets and beaches, is illegal unless a license is obtained. Residents used to require a license to drink alcohol at home, but this is no longer necessary, although purchases are still registered with appropriate identification.
Dubai encourages the use of public transportation or taxi services like Uber and Careem as alternatives to driving after consuming alcohol. The authorities regularly conduct awareness campaigns on the dangers of drinking and driving, emphasising the severe consequences of breaking the law. The legal system in Dubai is based on a combination of Sharia law and statutes, and it is advisable to stay updated with the most recent legal sources for the latest information.
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Alcohol is not sold in all supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates
However, tourists can buy alcohol in shops and clubs, cafes, and restaurants with alcohol licenses. In 2020, Dubai introduced new measures that made it possible for non-Muslim tourists over the age of 21 to purchase alcohol from Mercantile and Marketing International (MMI) or the city's African + Eastern liquor stores. These stores are often found next to a Spinneys supermarket, which has locations in the Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Batuta Mall (Andalusia area), Al Safa, the Marina Walk in the Dubai Marina, and the Jumeraih Beach Road. Tourists can also buy alcohol at the duty-free shops at the airport when they arrive.
Each emirate operates under slightly different rules regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. For example, the emirate of Sharjah is a "dry" emirate, with no alcohol served even in international hotels. In contrast, in the emirate of Ajman, expatriates have never needed a permit to buy alcohol. However, if someone bought alcohol in Ajman, it would be strictly forbidden to drive with the alcohol back through Sharjah.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy alcohol at the duty-free shop at Dubai Airport. The shop is located in the baggage reclaim area. You can buy up to 4 litres of alcohol per person without needing an alcohol licence.
Yes, tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. Drinking in public places, including beaches, is illegal and can lead to strict punishments.
If you want to buy alcohol from a store in Dubai, you will need an alcohol licence. However, you do not need a licence to buy alcohol from the airport duty-free shop.
Yes, there are two retail chains that are officially allowed to sell alcohol: African + Eastern and MMI. You can find these stores in malls and next to Spinneys supermarkets.
