Can you drink alcohol in Dubai? Find out the current rules?

Is it legal to drink alcohol in Dubai? 

Consumption of alcohol in Dubai is allowed, but is subject to certain rules. In the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, the law is based on Shariah, which prohibits the consumption of alcohol by those who follow Islam. Nonetheless, Dubai, as a city open to tourism and the influence of Western culture, allows alcohol consumption in designated areas and in accordance with certain regulations.

Alcohol law in the Emirates

For whom is alcohol available? Alcohol can be consumed by non-Muslims who are at least 21 years old. Muslims, even if they are tourists, are required to observe the prohibition of alcohol consumption. 

Where can alcohol be consumed? Alcohol consumption is allowed only in licensed establishments, such as hotels, bars, restaurants or clubs with the appropriate permits. Drinking alcohol in public places, such as beaches, parks or streets, is categorically prohibited.

Transporting alcohol - after purchasing alcohol, transport it directly to your accommodation, such as a hotel, and avoid consuming it during transport.

Behavior under the influence of alcohol - Dubai strictly prohibits inappropriate behavior under the influence of alcohol in public spaces. This can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.

Dubai Alcohol Rules 2024

Alcohol regulations in Dubai are very strict - it is categorically prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages in public spaces. Being under the influence of alcohol on the streets, in parks or on beaches is a serious violation of the law, which can result in police intervention, imposition of a severe financial penalty and, in the most serious situations, even imprisonment. Transportation of alcohol is permitted only in sealed containers, and it is absolutely forbidden to open or consume it in a vehicle. For Muslims, there is a total ban on alcohol, which is dictated by both their faith and the official laws of the United Arab Emirates. Followers of Islam are required to act consciously and responsibly in all aspects of their lives.
 

Photo: liquor license in Dubai/Chris F, Pexels

Where can you drink alcohol in Dubai?

There are a number of places in Dubai where you can legally consume alcohol, with the key requirement being that you have the proper license. The city is famous for its luxury bars and clubs, which are most often located in exclusive five-star hotels.

Prominent among the most popular venues are Skyview Bar in the Burj Al Arab hotel, known for its unique cocktails and stunning panoramic views of the city, White Dubai - one of the most sought-after nightclubs, and Barasti Beach Bar, popular among tourists for its casual atmosphere and location right on the beach. It's worth noting that most restaurants in luxury hotels also serve alcohol, but it's advisable to check the menu or ascertain the availability of liquor before visiting. Each of these places must have an official license to sell and serve alcohol, which is a key requirement of local law.

Buying alcohol in Dubai

To buy alcohol in bottles, go to specialized stores such as MMI or African+Eastern. These chains have many outlets, located in shopping malls and various neighborhoods in Dubai. Just type the name of your chosen chain into Google Maps to get a list of available locations. However, it is worth remembering that only alcohol is sold in these stores, so if you want to prepare, for example, whiskey with cola, the soda must be purchased separately elsewhere.

These stores operate according to certain rules - they are discreetly located, without visible signs, and their windows and storefronts are covered. From the outside, it is impossible to recognize that alcohol is sold there. This form of operation is due to local regulations and social norms, which are designed to respect local traditions and customs.

In Dubai, it is also possible to purchase alcohol online through MMI and African+Eastern chain stores. Note, however, that such an option is only available to those with a liquor license. Otherwise, a visit to a stationary store will be necessary.

Stores usually operate until 10:00 p.m. This is important information, because after they close, the purchase of alcohol is only possible in restaurants.

In Dubai, alcohol can only be purchased by people who are at least 21 years old. Residents of the city must have a special license, while tourists can make purchases after showing their passport. It is also worth remembering that there are limits on the purchase of alcohol, which are set depending on the amount of income of a person.

Alcohol license in Dubai

In Dubai, legal purchase, possession and consumption of alcohol by residents requires a special license, issued by local authorities. This document can only be obtained by people over the age of 21 who are not followers of Islam - Muslims are not entitled to such a license due to Islamic rules and restrictions.

To obtain a license, the following conditions must be met: Be at least 21 years of age, be a resident of Dubai, and provide a certificate of employment and proof of income (the license is granted on the basis of earned income).

The process of obtaining a liquor license in Dubai is relatively simple and can be accomplished in two ways: directly at the store or through the official licensedxb website. The applicant is required to fill out the relevant form and provide the required documents. After a successful application, you receive a license with a different validity period - for residents it is 12 months, while for tourists it is only 1 month. Along with the license document, one also receives information on the initial purchase limit, which, if necessary, can be sought to be increased by submitting an appropriate application.

Tourists receive a license upon presentation of a valid passport. This document allows the purchase of alcohol in licensed stores and its consumption in permitted places, mainly in private houses or apartments, provided that it does not disturb neighbors and other residents - loud parties are not accepted by the local community.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

1. Is it allowed to drink alcohol on the beach in Dubai?

Alcohol consumption in public spaces is strictly prohibited in Dubai. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages on beaches, in parks, on the streets and on public transportation - these are places where alcohol consumption is a serious violation of local laws.

2. Can tourists buy alcohol in Dubai?

Yes, tourists can buy alcohol by showing a valid passport, as long as they are at least 21 years old. Dubai residents, on the other hand, must have a special liquor license to make such purchases. Holders of a valid license are also allowed to order alcoholic beverages online with home delivery.

3. What are the penalties for violating the Dubai liquor laws?

Violations of Dubai's liquor laws carry serious consequences, such as heavy fines of up to thousands of dirhams, police detention or arrest. For foreigners, an additional risk is the possibility of deportation, especially for serious offenses such as consuming alcohol in public places, driving under the influence of alcohol or inappropriate drunken behavior.

4. Where to buy alcohol in Dubai as a tourist?

In Dubai, tourists can purchase alcohol in duty-free zones at airports, at licensed outlets such as African + Eastern and MMI, and in bars and restaurants located in hotels.