Buying Beer In Dubai: What You Need To Know

Dubai is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning architecture, high-end shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife. While the laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption and purchase in Dubai have evolved over time, it's essential to understand the current rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Dubai has a unique relationship with alcohol due to its Muslim population and the implementation of Sharia Law. So, can you buy beer in Dubai? The short answer is yes, but there are specific requirements and restrictions in place.

Non-Muslims over 21 can buy beer in Dubai

Dubai is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning architecture, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife. While the laws and norms around alcohol consumption in the city may differ from those in other places, it is important to know that non-Muslims over the age of 21 can indeed buy and consume beer in Dubai. Here is some detailed information on the regulations surrounding alcohol in Dubai:

Purchasing Alcohol in Dubai as a Non-Muslim Tourist:

Non-Muslim tourists over the age of 21 can purchase alcohol from specific retailers in Dubai. The two main licensed retailers are Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) and African + Eastern. Tourists can obtain a free 30-day alcohol license from these stores by presenting their passport and filling out a short form. This license allows them to buy alcohol from these authorized retailers without needing an Emirates ID. The license can be extended if tourists extend their stay in Dubai.

Drinking Alcohol in Licensed Venues:

Non-Muslim tourists are allowed to consume alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, clubs, and restaurants. These venues have the necessary permits to serve alcoholic beverages to their customers. However, it is important to note that drinking alcohol in public places, including parks, beaches, and streets, is strictly prohibited and can result in fines, incarceration, or deportation.

Drinking Alcohol in Private:

Alcohol can also be consumed in private, such as in your hotel room. Additionally, tourists can purchase alcohol at the airport duty-free shops upon arrival and bring it back to their accommodation.

Alcohol Prices in Dubai:

Alcohol in Dubai tends to be more expensive than in other places. A pint of beer at a hotel bar can cost around $13, while a glass of wine at a restaurant can range from $10 to $12. Cocktails are usually priced at $12 and above.

Respecting Local Laws and Customs:

While Dubai allows alcohol consumption for non-Muslims, it is important to remember that it is still a Muslim city that follows Sharia Law. During the holy month of Ramadan, many establishments may restrict or discontinue the sale of alcohol. It is crucial to be respectful and discreet when consuming alcohol, especially during religious periods.

In summary, non-Muslims over the age of 21 can buy and consume beer in Dubai, but it is important to follow the local laws and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

You need a license to buy beer in a store

If you're planning on buying beer from a store in Dubai, you'll need to obtain a license. This is the case for both residents and tourists over the age of 21. The license is free and can be obtained by visiting an African + Eastern or MMI store with your passport and entry stamp. This process takes just a few minutes and the license is valid for 30 days. You'll also need to fill out a short form and sign a declaration stating that you are not a UAE resident and agree to abide by the UAE's rules on alcohol consumption and purchase. It's important to note that you won't need a license to consume alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Dubai has strict rules regarding alcohol consumption due to its Muslim population and adherence to Sharia Law. While drinking is allowed for non-Muslims, it is unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places, including beaches. The city has zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and public drunkenness can lead to jail time and hefty fines.

To avoid the need for a license, tourists can purchase alcohol at Duty-Free shops in the airport and bring it back to their hotel. This is also a good option for those looking to save money, as alcohol purchased at the airport can be significantly cheaper than in stores. For example, a 12-pack of 0.33-liter cans of Carlsberg Pilsner costs 63 AED at the airport, while a single bottle of imported beer in a Dubai store averages 23.86 AED.

It's worth noting that the rules around alcohol are different in the neighbouring Emirate of Sharjah, where the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited. During the holy month of Ramadan, many bars, clubs, and restaurants in Dubai may restrict or discontinue the sale of alcohol.

You can buy beer at the airport and drink it in your hotel room

Yes, you can buy beer at the airport and drink it in your hotel room in Dubai. In fact, this is a recommended way to enjoy a beer in Dubai. Drinking in public is forbidden and punishable by law, so tourists are advised to buy alcohol at the airport's Duty-Free shops and consume it in their hotel rooms.

Dubai has strict rules about drinking in public, and drinking alcohol without a license is no longer allowed. However, tourists can obtain a free 30-day instant license to purchase alcohol from liquor stores. This can be done by presenting a passport and entry stamp at a store. It is important to note that drinking alcohol is only allowed in licensed venues and private spaces, such as hotel rooms.

Dubai has two main liquor stores, Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) and African and Eastern, which are authorised to sell alcohol. Tourists can purchase alcohol from these stores with their passports and a valid tourist visa. Additionally, alcohol can be ordered online and delivered to accommodations through the Legal Home Delivery service.

It is worth noting that Dubai has a Muslim population and follows Islamic laws, so alcohol is not widely served and is restricted to certain locations. Licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs targeted toward expats and tourists typically serve alcohol. When drinking in Dubai, it is recommended to be discreet and respectful, especially during the holy month of Ramadan when many places restrict or discontinue alcohol sales.

Drinking in public is a punishable offence

Drinking in public is a serious offence in Dubai, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or deportation. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strict laws governing alcohol consumption, and drinking in public places, including parks, beaches, and streets, is forbidden.

Dubai is a Muslim city that adheres to Sharia Law, which prohibits alcohol consumption by Muslims. While the city allows non-Muslims to consume alcohol, it imposes stringent regulations. Drinking in public is strictly prohibited and carries severe repercussions.

Dubai's laws clearly state that it is a punishable offence to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public. This applies to all public places, including beaches and streets. The police actively enforce these laws, and individuals found to be drunk in public may face sentences of up to six months in jail and substantial fines.

It is important to note that these laws apply equally to both locals and tourists. British nationals, for example, have been arrested and charged under this law, particularly when they have attracted police attention due to related offences such as disorderly conduct. Even passengers transiting through the UAE under the influence of alcohol may be arrested.

Therefore, it is crucial for visitors to Dubai to be aware of and respect the local laws and cultural norms regarding alcohol consumption. While drinking is permitted in licensed venues and private spaces, such as hotel rooms, public drunkenness and drinking in unauthorised areas are not tolerated.

Dubai has strict rules about drinking as a Muslim city

Dubai is a Muslim city and has strict rules about drinking. While non-Muslims are allowed to drink, they must follow certain rules and regulations. Drinking alcohol is forbidden in public places, including parks, beaches, and streets. Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and public drunkenness is considered a criminal offence.

To purchase alcohol at a store in Dubai, both residents and tourists require a license. The license is free and can be obtained by non-Muslims who are over the age of 21 and have a valid international passport. The process requires tourists to supply their passport, fill out a short form, and sign an official declaration stating that they are not UAE residents and agree to abide by the UAE's rules on alcohol consumption and purchase. The license is valid for 30 days and can be renewed if needed.

There are only two retail chains that are officially allowed to sell alcohol by law: African + Eastern and MMI. These stores can be found in malls and supermarkets, and the windows are oftensectioned off so that Muslims cannot see the alcohol bottles when they walk by.

Alcohol can be served and consumed in various licensed restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars. Tourists staying in hotels do not need a license to drink alcohol, but those staying in private accommodations, such as rentals or Airbnbs, will need a license to purchase bottles to bring home. It is recommended not to ask for alcohol if it is not on the menu, and to look out for signs that say "dry", indicating that alcohol is not served there.

Dubai has strict laws and penalties regarding alcohol consumption, and it is important to be aware of these rules to avoid any legal consequences.

Frequently asked questions