Uae Beer Buying Guide: Where To Purchase Legally

If you're looking to buy beer in the UAE, there are a few options available to you. For those in Dubai, MMI has 24 stores offering a range of beers, wines, and spirits. Al Hamra Cellar, located in Ras Al Khaimah, is also an option, and it's just a short drive from Dubai. They offer an incredible range of tax-free products. If you're travelling through Dubai International Airport, Le Clos offers a unique shopping experience with a wide range of fine wines and luxury spirits. For those who prefer online shopping and home delivery, African + Eastern and Al Hamra Cellar both provide this service. It's important to note that a valid UAE liquor license is required to purchase alcohol in the UAE, and some stores may have specific requirements for tourists.

Online liquor stores in the UAE

There are several online liquor stores in the UAE, offering a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. Here is a list of some popular options:

Al Hamra Cellar

Al Hamra Cellar is a well-known online liquor store in the UAE, offering a vast selection of beers, wines, and spirits. They have an extensive range of products, with over 2,000 items listed online. Al Hamra Cellar offers unbeatable prices, with discounts of up to 70% on selected items. They guarantee the quality of their products by transporting them in climate-controlled conditions. While they do not offer home delivery, you can conveniently place your order online and then collect it from their store. Al Hamra Cellar is located near Dubai, making it a convenient option for those in the area.

Le Clos

Le Clos is another prominent online liquor store in the UAE, known for its fine wines and luxury spirits. They have a team of international experts who carefully select their products from around the world, introducing unique and rare finds to Dubai and the Middle East. Le Clos has physical stores located in Dubai International Airport, with nine stores across Terminals 1 and 3, as well as a newly opened store at the Montgomerie Golf Academy. They offer a convenient click-and-collect service, allowing you to shop online and collect your purchases at the airport. Le Clos also provides a delivery-on-arrival service, where you can place your order before travelling and have your bottles ready for you when you land.

MMI

MMI is a reputable online liquor store in Dubai, offering a wide range of wine, spirits, and beer. They have 24 conveniently located stores across the city, ensuring that you are never far away from their great service and amazing offers. MMI provides a convenient home delivery service, bringing your favourite beverages directly to your door. They also offer click-and-collect options, allowing you to place your order online and collect it from their stores. MMI carries many world-class brands, with over 2,000 products available. Additionally, they provide assistance with the liquor licence application process, making it a one-stop shop for all your alcohol-related needs in Dubai.

Gray Mackenzie & Partners (GMP)

Gray Mackenzie & Partners, or GMP, offers an online liquor store in Abu Dhabi, providing free home delivery services to select areas. They have a diverse selection of beverages, including wine, craft beer, and spirits. GMP delivers to various locations within Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with flat delivery fees based on the order value and distance. They offer express delivery options for a small additional charge. GMP provides a user-friendly online shopping experience, making it convenient for customers to browse and purchase their desired alcoholic beverages.

Centaurus Int

Centaurus Int is an online liquor store serving Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While their website does not provide extensive details, they offer a range of alcoholic beverages, including wine, spirits, and mixers. Centaurus Int appears to have a user-friendly interface, allowing customers to browse and purchase their products with ease.

Physical liquor stores in Dubai

Dubai is home to several physical liquor stores, offering a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. Here is a list of some of the popular liquor stores in Dubai:

• MMI: MMI is a well-known liquor store chain in Dubai, with 24 stores located conveniently across the city. They offer a vast selection of over 2000 products, including world-class brands of wines, spirits, and beer. MMI stores are known for their great value and exceptional customer service.
• Al Hamra Cellar: Located just an hour away from Dubai, Al Hamra Cellar boasts an incredible range of tax-free beverages. They offer a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits, with knowledgeable staff to assist customers in finding the perfect drink. Al Hamra Cellar also provides a click-and-collect option for added convenience.
• Le Clos: Le Clos has multiple stores in Dubai International Airport, including locations in Terminals 1 and 3. They offer a carefully curated selection of the world's finest wines and spirits, with prices starting at just $28. Le Clos also provides exclusive services such as 'Delivery on Arrival' and 'Click and Collect', enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Spinneys Centre: Located on Umm Al Sheif Street in Al Safa, Dubai, Spinneys Centre houses a Le Clos store. This store offers a range of fine wines and spirits for customers to choose from.
• Dubai Duty Free: Dubai International Airport also has a dedicated duty-free area where travellers can purchase alcoholic beverages. Dubai Duty Free offers a range of popular liquor brands at duty-free prices, providing a convenient option for travellers passing through the airport.

When visiting physical liquor stores in Dubai, it is important to note that a valid liquor licence or passport may be required for purchasing alcohol. It is recommended to check the specific requirements and restrictions before visiting the stores.

Liquor stores at Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport is home to nine Le Clos liquor stores, located in Terminals 1 and 3. These stores offer a wide range of wines and spirits, including unique and rare finds sourced from around the world.

Terminal 1

In Terminal 1, you can find Le Clos in the Arrivals Hall, near baggage belt 6. The store can be contacted via the following details:

• Email: Leclost1wine@mmi.ae
• Phone: +971 565263729

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is home to eight Le Clos stores, including one in the Arrivals Hall near baggage belt 7. Here are the details for this store:

• Email: LeclosT3Arrivals@mmi.ae
• Phone: +971 561779656

Additionally, there are seven Le Clos stores located throughout the different concourses in Terminal 3:

• Concourse A near Gate A1
• Concourse A Emirates Business Class Lounge
• Concourse A Emirates First Class Lounge
• Concourse B Emirates First Class Lounge
• Concourse B Kiosk between Emirates First and Business Class Lounge
• Concourse B main corridor near Gate B10 (The Macallan Boutique by Le Clos)
• Concourse D Main

Le Clos Emirates Hills

There is also a Le Clos store located outside of the airport at the Montgomerie Golf Academy. Here are the details for this store:

• Address: Montgomerie Golf Academy, Al Thanayah Fourth - 10 7th St - Emirates Hills - Dubai
• Email: emirateshills@leclos.net
• Phone: +971 502573924

Liquor licensing in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a Muslim country with laws and regulations surrounding the purchase and consumption of alcohol. While the UAE has a conservative capital in Abu Dhabi, the country is also known for its tolerance and embrace of different cultures, which extends to its alcohol laws. Here is a guide to liquor licensing in the UAE:

The Licensing System

In the past, individuals in the UAE required a license to purchase, transport, or possess alcohol in their homes. However, in 2020, Abu Dhabi eliminated its licensing system for alcohol purchases, allowing Muslims who were previously unable to obtain licenses to purchase alcohol from retailers. Dubai has also simplified its licensing process, although residents still need a license to purchase alcohol.

Age and Religious Restrictions

The UAE has set an age limit of 21 years for the legal purchase and consumption of alcohol. Additionally, only non-Muslims can apply for an alcohol license in the UAE. Tourists who are non-Muslim and over 21 years old can obtain a free 30-day license by presenting their original passport and signing a form confirming their understanding of the rules and regulations regarding alcohol in Dubai.

Rules for License Holders

License holders are permitted to buy, possess, and consume alcohol from licensed retail shops and designated public spaces, such as bars, tourism establishments, hotels, clubs, and independent outlets. Alcohol consumption is restricted to private homes or licensed areas. It is illegal to drink in public, and those found doing so can be reported. If carrying alcohol in public, it must be kept in non-transparent bags and not visible.

Driving and Alcohol Consumption

The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving, with strict fines and penalties in place for violations. It is important to note that alcohol consumption is prohibited if you are planning to drive, and the amount and severity of the fine are decided by the UAE courts.

Applying for a License

To apply for an alcohol license in Dubai, residents (over 21 and non-Muslim) can visit any of the 18 A+E or 17 MMI stores and scan their Emirates ID. The cost of the license is AED 270, and it is valid for one year. Any remaining validity on an old card will be added to the new license.

Home delivery services for beer

If you're looking to get beer delivered to your home in the UAE, there are several services that can help.

MMI Home Delivery offers a wide range of beer brands for delivery across the UAE. They carry world-renowned brands like Heineken, Amstel, and Tiger Beer. MMI has a user-friendly website where you can place your order, and they also have 24 physical stores in Dubai if you prefer to shop in person.

Al Hamra Cellar is another option, located in Ras Al Khaimah. While they don't offer home delivery, they do have an online store where you can browse their extensive selection of beers, wines, and spirits. They are also tax-free and just a short drive from Dubai.

For those in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Gray Mackenzie & Partners (GMP) provides free home delivery of liquor, including beer. They have a flat delivery fee structure based on the order amount and distance from the city limits.

When ordering alcohol for home delivery in the UAE, it's important to note that most providers will require you to present a valid liquor license or passport details for tourists. Be sure to review the requirements before placing your order.

Frequently asked questions