Lucy Palmer
Dubai is a popular destination for tourists, known for its glamour, shopping malls, sights, and beaches. For those interested in experiencing the nightlife, it's important to know the local laws surrounding alcohol consumption. While drinking alcohol is not illegal in Dubai, there are strict regulations in place that differ from those in Western countries. As an Islamic country, the UAE has specific rules around alcohol that tourists should be aware of to avoid any legal issues during their stay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you drink beer in Dubai? | Yes, but only in licensed establishments such as hotels, resorts, bars, restaurants, and clubs. |
| Drinking age | 21 |
| Buying alcohol in shops | Tourists cannot buy alcohol from an off-licence. Residents require a UAE-issued alcohol licence. |
| Drinking in public | Illegal. |
| Drinking and driving | Illegal. |
What You'll Learn
Drinking in public is illegal
Dubai has a zero-tolerance approach to drinking in public, and those found breaking the law may be locked up without bail while their case is investigated. It is important to note that the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21, and only licensed establishments, such as hotels, resorts, bars, restaurants, and clubs, are permitted to serve alcohol. Tourists cannot buy alcohol from shops, even if they have a UAE-issued alcohol licence. However, tourists staying in hotels are exempt from needing a licence to drink alcohol.
It is recommended that visitors to Dubai only drink within licensed venues and do not ask for alcohol if it is not on the menu. Some venues are "dry", meaning they do not serve alcohol. Tourists should also be mindful of their behaviour when drinking, as causing fights or being disorderly while under the influence of alcohol can lead to arrest. Additionally, drinking and driving is strictly forbidden in Dubai and can result in jail time or deportation.
While Dubai has recently relaxed some of its alcohol laws, making it more "visitor-friendly", drinking in public remains illegal. Visitors should be mindful of these laws and the potential consequences of breaking them to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable trip to Dubai.
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You need a license to buy alcohol
Yes, you can drink alcohol in Dubai, but it's not as simple as in most Western or Asian countries. The sale of alcohol is heavily regulated, and only licensed establishments can sell it. These include hotels, resorts, bars, restaurants, and clubs. You can legally drink alcohol in these places as a tourist, but drinking in public is strictly prohibited.
If you want to buy alcohol from a shop, you will need a UAE-issued alcohol license. These licenses are only available to residents, and you will likely need to show your passport to enter the shop. The rules are expected to change, allowing visitors to buy alcohol from registered and licensed shops that are part of the Mercantile and Marketing International (MMI). However, you will still need to fill out a mandatory form, although it will be free of charge.
It is worth noting that the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21, and the laws around alcohol consumption are strictly enforced. It is illegal to drink or be intoxicated by alcohol in public, including on the beach. British nationals have been arrested and charged under this law, often in connection with other offences such as disorderly or offensive behaviour.
Dubai has a vibrant nightlife scene, and alcohol is available in licensed venues. However, it is essential to be mindful of the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption to avoid any legal issues during your stay.
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Drinking age is 21
Drinking alcohol in Dubai comes with some strict rules, and if you're under 21, you won't be able to drink at all. The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21, and this is strictly enforced. If you're lucky enough to be over 21 and are planning a trip to Dubai, there are a few things you should know about the drinking culture and laws there.
Firstly, drinking in public is illegal. This means that you can't drink on the beach, in the street, or in any other public space. You also can't be intoxicated in public, so it's important to always drink responsibly when in Dubai. If you're caught drinking or intoxicated in public, you could face some serious consequences, including fines and even jail time.
So, where can you drink? Alcohol is typically served in hotels, resorts, bars, restaurants, and clubs. These venues must have a licence to serve alcohol, and it is recommended that you don't ask for a drink if it isn't on the menu. Some clubs in Dubai open as early as 10 am and close around 3 am, with alcohol service stopping around 1 am. However, each location has its own schedule.
If you're planning to buy alcohol to drink at your accommodation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Tourists staying in hotels don't need a liquor licence to drink alcohol. However, if you're staying in private accommodation, such as a rental or Airbnb, you'll need to apply for a free 30-day licence to purchase alcohol. To obtain this licence, you must be 21 or over and have your passport and a valid visitor visa. MMI and African + Eastern are the two main liquor stores in Dubai, and you can purchase alcohol from them with your licence. Alternatively, you can use their Legal Home Delivery service to have alcohol delivered directly to your accommodation.
It's worth noting that alcohol in Dubai tends to be quite expensive, and a night of drinking can add up quickly. There was previously a 30% municipality tax on alcohol sales, but this has been removed, making drinking in Dubai slightly more affordable for tourists.
In summary, if you're 21 or older and planning to drink in Dubai, make sure you do so responsibly and only in licensed venues or your private accommodation. Dubai has strict laws and penalties regarding alcohol, so it's important to be informed before you go.
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Tourists can drink in hotels, bars, and restaurants
Drinking alcohol in Dubai is restricted to certain locations. Tourists can drink in hotels, bars, and restaurants, but these must be officially licensed establishments.
In 2023, the Dubai government removed the 30% municipality tax on alcohol sales for a 12-month trial period. This has made drinking in Dubai more affordable for tourists, as the cost of alcohol was previously very high.
Tourists can also apply for a free 30-day license to purchase alcohol from two of the main purveyors of alcohol in Dubai, MMI and African + Eastern. This simplified process requires a passport and a valid visitor visa. However, it is important to note that drinking in public or being intoxicated in public is illegal in Dubai, and the legal drinking age is 21.
Dubai's nightlife offers a range of licensed venues for tourists to enjoy a drink, including lavish hotel bars, clubs, and restaurants. Tourists should be mindful of the local laws and only drink within these designated areas to avoid any legal repercussions.
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Drinking and driving is forbidden
Dubai has strict laws regarding drunk driving, and the legal consequences can be severe. Those found driving under the influence of alcohol may be arrested and put in jail without bail while their case is investigated. The penalties for drunk driving in Dubai can include hefty fines, imprisonment, and even deportation for visitors. Therefore, it is crucial for anyone planning to drive in Dubai to abstain from consuming any alcoholic beverages beforehand.
The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21 years old, and only licensed establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs, are allowed to serve alcohol. Tourists can purchase alcohol from licensed retailers, such as MMI and African + Eastern, by presenting their passport and filling out a form. However, drinking in public places, including streets, beaches, and malls, is strictly prohibited.
Dubai's laws regarding alcohol consumption are influenced by its Islamic culture and religion. While the Emirate has made changes to its alcohol laws to be more "visitor-friendly," it is essential for tourists to respect the local culture and abide by the local rules and regulations. Drinking and driving is a serious offense in Dubai, and those who engage in it may face harsh penalties.
To avoid any legal troubles and ensure a safe trip to Dubai, it is important to follow the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption. Tourists should only consume alcohol within licensed establishments and never drive after drinking. By being mindful and respectful of the local culture and rules, visitors can enjoy their time in Dubai while staying safe and compliant with the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can drink beer in Dubai, but only in licensed establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and bars.
The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21. It is illegal to drink or be intoxicated in public, including on the beach. Drinking and driving is also strictly forbidden and can result in jail time or deportation.
Alcohol can be purchased from licensed retailers such as MMI and African + Eastern. You will need to show your passport and fill out a form to buy alcohol from these stores.
Yes, tourists staying in hotels can drink alcohol in their rooms. Tourists staying in private accommodations, such as rentals or Airbnbs, can apply for a free 30-day license to purchase alcohol.
