Alcohol in Dubai - where to buy and what are the prices?

What can you find in the article?
 

• Alcohol regulations in Dubai
• Alcohol in Dubai for tourists
• Where to buy alcohol in Dubai?
• Alcohol shops in Dubai
• Alcohol in a hotel in Dubai
• Is alcohol available in supermarkets in Dubai?
• What spirits are popular in Dubai?
• What are the prices of alcohol in Dubai?
• Where to buy alcohol in Dubai duty free?
• Questions and answers (FAQs)
  
   

Alcohol regulations in Dubai
 

Dubai is a modern and fast-growing city that accommodates people of different nationalities from all over the world. In the United Arab Emirates, 74% of the population is Muslim and in Dubai around 54% of the population follows Islam. Drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam, which means that even though it is widely available, Dubai's alcohol laws place some restrictions and drinking is not a generally accepted cultural norm. Is it possible to buy alcohol in Dubai? Yes, alcohol regulations in Dubai are as follows:
 

In Dubai, you have to be at least 21 years of age to purchase and consume alcohol. This differs from the regulations for cigarettes, which can be purchased from the age of 18. There is an absolute ban on drinking alcohol in public places in Dubai. Being drunk on the street, in a park or on the beach, for example, is punishable and can result in detention by the police, a fine or, in extreme cases, imprisonment. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly forbidden and punishable by long-term imprisonment. Muslims are strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol as a result of their faith and the laws in the United Arab Emirates.
 

Alcohol in Dubai for tourists
 

Tourists in Dubai can buy alcohol without any problem. All they need to do is to be at least 21 years old and have their passport with them when purchasing alcohol. Alcohol can be purchased for personal use and consumed in their accommodation/apartment without disturbing public order. Alcohol can also be purchased by tourists in bars, restaurants and hotel bars. Before entering a bar or before ordering alcohol in a restaurant, you may be asked for your passport to verify your age and your identity.
 

Where to buy alcohol in Dubai?
 

Where to buy alcohol in the United Arab Emirates? Alcohol outlets vary from Emirate to Emirate. In Dubai, you can buy alcohol in several places: special liquor shops such as the MMI (Maritime and Mercantile International) or African+Eastern chains, bars and restaurants with a liquor licence, clubs or hotels.
 

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Alcohol shops in Dubai
 

Where to buy alcohol in Dubai? At a liquor shop. Alcoholic beverages in Dubai are sold in special liquor shops, for example in the MMI or African+Eastern chains. These shops have quite a few of their locations in the malls and in different districts of the city, and their number strongly contradicts the claim that there are no alcohol shops in Dubai. Buying alcohol in the UAE will be easiest right here in Dubai thanks to the wide access to liquor shops. Just type the name of the chain of your choice into Google Maps and a list of all locations will appear. It is worth mentioning that only alcohol is sold there. So if you fancy a whisky and coke or a drink, you will have to buy a fizzy drink in a standard shop.
 

MMI outlets are generally open until 9 p.m. in the evening, and African+Eastern outlets are open until 10 p.m. This is important to know because once they close, we will no longer be able to buy alcohol outside the bars and restaurants.
 

Alcohol in a Dubai hotel
 

After the liquor shops close or at any time of the day for a meal or company , you can order alcohol from the hotel bar or restaurant. Alcohols in restaurants in Dubai will be more expensive than those bought in shops, but this is a standard difference found in many countries around the world. Hotel restaurants and bars in Dubai offer a large selection of drinks and international spirits of the best quality.
 

Is alcohol available in supermarkets in Dubai?
 

Alcohol is not available in Dubai in supermarkets. You will not find shelves of alcohol in shops like Carrefour, Viva Supermarket or similar. Alcohol in shops can only be sold in dedicated facilities selling alcohol only.
 

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What spirits are popular in Dubai?
 

Dubai has high liquor prices, but it is not the amount to pay that influences its popularity. Muslims don't drink alcohol for religious reasons, so alcohol tastes in Dubai are mainly created by the numerous expats in the city. What do Dubai residents drink most often? Extremely popular is champagne, which is perfect for celebrating successes and sipping from a glass while on a yacht cruise. In addition to the internationally popular brands of beer, less popular wine, drinks are also very popular. In addition to classics such as Cuba Libre, Whisky with Coke, Sex on the Beach and Martini, Blueberry and Ginger Sour, Zombie Horde and Sidecar are also popular.
 

What are the prices of alcohol in Dubai?
 

Important: alcohol prices in Dubai 2024/2025 may vary throughout the year! In 2025, the 30% liquor tax on sellers returns in Dubai. This does not mean a 30% price increase, but the prices quoted may be a few percent higher.
 

Alcohol in Dubai is not popular, there is virtually no local production, which translates into a higher price. What are the prices of beer and wine in Dubai? How much will you come to pay for a drink at the bar? Let's find out:
 

In MMi shops, a Heineken beer 0.35 costs around AED 9. You can buy wine from as little as AED 30 and you can buy a good whisky from as little as AED 100. The average price for a drink at a bar in Dubai is 45 AED.
 

Where to buy alcohol in Dubai duty free?
 

Buying alcohol duty-free is made possible by the Dubai Duty Free zones, specifically Dubai Duty Free at Dubai Airport. Upon arrival in Dubai, but before collecting your luggage, you can buy duty-free alcohol here from the dedicated Dubai Duty Free shops.
 

Questions and answers (FAQs)
 

• Can tourists buy alcohol in Dubai?
  
  Tourists can buy alcohol in Dubai from liquor shops, bars or restaurants without any problem. In order to purchase alcohol, it will be necessary to be at least 21 years old and to have an identity document proving your age, in the case of tourists a passport.
   
• Are there shops in Dubai where I can buy alcohol?
  
  There are special liquor shops in Dubai where you can only buy alcohol. These are brands such as the MMI or African+Eastern chains. These shops have a total of dozens of outlets throughout Dubai.
   
• Is alcohol expensive in Dubai?
  
  Alcohol in Dubai is not among the cheapest, but it is also not very expensive or unaffordable. Alcohol shops in Dubai often attract new customers with numerous promotions. You will pay around AED 10 or more for a good beer in them, and for a drink at a bar in Dubai you will pay an average of AED 45.