Beer Drinking In Abu Dhabi: What's The Deal?

Drinking alcohol in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a confusing area of Islamic Law and local customs that many visitors to Abu Dhabi have questions about. The short answer is yes, non-Muslims can drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi, but only in certain designated places. Drinking in public is prohibited. Alcohol is typically available in hotels with liquor licenses, as well as in bars or restaurants attached to hotels. Non-Muslims can also purchase alcohol from liquor shops without a license, and these shops are scattered throughout Abu Dhabi. It's important to note that alcohol consumption in public is generally prohibited, similar to laws in the USA, Germany, and Austria.

Drinking in public is prohibited

Drinking in public is strictly prohibited in Abu Dhabi. While the consumption of alcohol is decriminalised, drinking in public spaces is illegal. Alcohol must be consumed in private homes or licensed areas such as bars and restaurants, which are mostly found in hotels.

Licensed premises can also include clubs, such as sporting clubs, golf clubs, and purpose-built entertainment venues attached to hotels or beach clubs. However, it is important to note that not all hotels serve alcohol, and some are designated as "dry" or "family" hotels without a bar on-site. Therefore, it is advisable to check the details before booking a hotel if this is a requirement.

It is also worth noting that drinking laws and customs can vary across different Emirates. For example, the Emirate of Sharjah is a 'dry' Emirate, where no alcohol is served, even in international hotels. On the other hand, in the Emirate of Ajman, expatriates have never needed a permit to purchase alcohol.

While drinking in licensed premises or private homes is allowed, drinking in public spaces such as parks or beaches is prohibited. Additionally, walking outside with an alcoholic drink in hand is not permitted, and it is advised to avoid being drunk in public. Although taxi drivers are generally accustomed to transporting intoxicated individuals, some have been known to report drunk passengers to the police.

Therefore, it is crucial to abide by the local laws and customs and behave responsibly when consuming alcohol in Abu Dhabi.

Alcohol is available in hotels and attached bars/restaurants

Sporting clubs, golf clubs, and purpose-built entertainment venues attached to a hotel or beach club also have alcohol-serving licenses. Alcohol purchased must be consumed on the premises.

The legal drinking age in Abu Dhabi is 21 years old. However, the fine print of the law states that alcohol can be consumed from the age of 18. This means that if you are between 18 and 21 years old and staying with friends or relatives in a private setting, it is legal to drink alcohol.

In September 2020, the Abu Dhabi government confirmed that an alcohol license is no longer required for consumers. Previously, non-Muslim expatriates in the UAE were permitted to purchase alcohol from specialised stores if they obtained a license. Now, anyone can buy alcohol from these stores, but you must be 21 or over.

It is important to note that drinking in public is prohibited in Abu Dhabi. Alcohol consumption in public is illegal, and it is best to remain sober in public to avoid any issues with the police.

Non-Muslims can buy alcohol in liquor shops

Drinking alcohol in Abu Dhabi is forbidden for Muslims under Sharia Law. However, given the large non-Muslim expatriate population and tourism in the UAE, drinking alcohol is allowed in Abu Dhabi under certain conditions.

Previously, non-Muslim expatriates in the UAE needed to purchase an alcohol license to buy alcohol from specialised stores. However, since September 2020, licensing for alcohol purchases has been scrapped in Abu Dhabi, and only the above rules remain in place. It is important to note that drinking in public is prohibited, and alcohol consumption should be limited to designated areas.

Drinking age in Abu Dhabi is 21

Drinking alcohol is forbidden for Muslims under Sharia Law in Abu Dhabi. However, given the large non-Muslim expatriate population and tourism into the UAE, drinking alcohol is allowed in Abu Dhabi for non-Muslims over the age of 21 under certain strict conditions.

On 15 September 2020, the Abu Dhabi government confirmed that an alcohol license is no longer required for consumers. However, the legal drinking age was reiterated as 21 years old, and alcohol can only be consumed in private homes or licensed areas.

These designated drinking areas include bars and restaurants attached to hotels, as well as licensed clubs such as sporting clubs and purpose-built entertainment venues. Alcohol purchased in these places must be consumed on the premises. Drinking in public is prohibited and will be punished.

To purchase alcohol to consume at home, non-Muslim expatriates in the UAE previously needed to obtain a license. However, since 2020, these rules have been relaxed, and expats no longer need a license to buy alcohol from stores. Tourists can visit alcohol stores and show their passports to purchase alcohol, but they must drink it in their residence.

The bottom line is that if you are over 21, it is legal to drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi, but only in designated areas or private homes.

Alcohol is heavily taxed

The tax is implemented to discourage alcohol consumption, despite it being allowed in the country. The tax is also imposed on top of the already high prices of alcohol in the country. The price of a pint of beer in a bar can be as high as 50 AED, which is approximately $13.50. A small glass of wine can cost around 40 AED, or $10.80. The prices also increase with the class of the venue and the view.

The tax is not uniform across the country, with some emirates having additional taxes. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are known to have higher prices due to these added taxes. As a result, the expatriate population often travels to the Northern Emirates of Umm Al Quwain and Ras al Khaimah to purchase alcohol from larger stores without the extra taxes.

The heavy taxation on alcohol in Abu Dhabi is a significant factor in the overall cost of alcohol in the country. The taxes are implemented to discourage consumption, and they contribute to the high prices of alcohol in bars and restaurants.

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