One of the biggest misconceptions about Dubai is that you can't drink alcoholic beverages. And if you do, there will be serious consequences. This is a myth, but still, you will have to follow some simple rules to avoid problems and misunderstandings with the local population.
Dubai City - the center of tourism in the United Arab Emirates
Due to the fact that the city is a center of tourism, as well as due to the large number of expatriates living in Dubai, non-Muslims are allowed to drink alcohol.
However, the city is still a Muslim city that lives and follows the rules of Sharia (the religious legal system of the Islamic faith). So while Dubai tolerates alcohol consumption by non-Muslims, it is still worth following the strict rules.
All you need to know about alcohol in Dubai
- Can I drink alcohol in Dubai? Strong drinks can be consumed in the "right" places.
- Is there alcohol in Dubai and where? Touristsit is allowed to drink alcohol in hotels in Dubai, in nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. In other places it is unacceptable and punishable (even on the beaches). Dubai is incredibly strict on public drunkenness and has zero tolerance for alcohol.
- It is a punishable crime to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public. The legal drinking age for spirits is 18 in Abu Dhabi (although the Ministry of Tourism only allows hotels to sell alcohol to people over 21) and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (except Sharjah, where drinking is illegal).
- You can drink alcohol in Dubai, but you need a license for this - permission to buy booze (but there is a way around this point). There is a loophole: to avoid obtaining this document, you can buy alcohol at Duty Free at the airport and transport it to the hotel. If you wish, you can apply for a license.
- The police are always on guard. While relaxing in Dubai, you may notice the lack of police in public places and succumb to the temptation to drink a cold beer or a cocktail on the beach. Do not forget, law enforcement officers are everywhere, mixed with the crowd, dressed as civilians. Being drunk in public will result in six months in prison and heavy fines.
- The government of Dubai, with its harsh pen alties, understands what is needed for tourists and non-Muslim residents who want to have a good cocktail or a glass of fine wine in the evening. That is why bars, hotels and nightclubs offer a largerange of wines, beers and cocktails. Four and five star hotels (and, of course, exclusive seven star hotels) pride themselves on having the best bartenders and sommeliers in the world.
- For residents and expatriate tourists visiting the UAE, it is important to know local laws regarding alcohol consumption in order to avoid fines and even imprisonment. Here is a look at some of the most important legal aspects related to drinking below which will answer the question: Is it legal to drink alcohol in Dubai?
How to avoid drinking problems
You can't do this in public. The first thing to learn is that on the street, on the beach, or just on a bench in the park, that is, you can’t drink alcohol in any public place in the UAE. There are bars, clubs where you can drink. In addition, there are specialized shops where license holders can buy alcohol. It is important to get permission because there is a chance of arrest if the police see you drunk. Drinking regulations apply to both residents and non-residents in the UAE
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime. Alcohol affects reaction speed, coordination, and the ability to drive normally. Dubai has zero tolerance for drunk drivers. The amended federal traffic law came into force on July 1, 2017. The new rules aim to protect the lives of road users and reducebetween six and three road casu alties per 100,000 population by 2021. It's not just a "fine". Motorists caught drunk driving will face a maximum fine of AED 20,000 and/or jail time to be determined by the court. It also provides for the confiscation of the vehicle. Additional sanctions associated with the imposition of derivative measures by the court may include a suspension of a driver's license for a period of not less than three months and not more than two years.
- Pen alty for drunkenness or drinking without permission includes 6 months imprisonment or a fine of AED 5,000 or both. This is in line with the UAE Drinking Alcohol Law 1972.
- At work, alcohol consumption during the work day is a serious problem that can harm others. If a person is drunk or under the influence of drugs during work hours, the employer has the right to fire the employee without notice.
- Import of alcohol. The volume must not exceed 4 liters of alcohol or 2 cases/boxes of beer (each of 24 cans not exceeding 355 ml).
How to get a license?
Non-Muslims are allowed to buy or consume alcohol if they have a license. To get it you need:
- be over 21;
- hold a residence visa;
- have a minimum income of at least 3,000 dirhams (about $800).
How to apply?
Application forms are available online on websites. Copies of the forms are also available in stores. The applicant needsfill out the form and return to the supermarket with the necessary documents:
- Photocopy of passport, photocopy of visa and rental agreement.
- Photocopy of employment contract (in Arabic and English).
- Income statement.
- Pair of photos.
- Fee AED 270.
It usually takes about a couple of weeks to process your permit application. If you wish to obtain a license through your own company, the application must bear the seal and logo of the employer. If you work in a free zone, your company also needs approval. In the case of self-employed people, a copy of the trade license must be submitted along with the application.
Muslims and license
- If a couple wants a license, only the husband can apply.
- If she is married to a Muslim, the woman needs written consent from her husband to obtain permission. The wife's data will be added to the chip card. Having received a permit-license, a woman will be allowed to buy alcohol without the presence of her husband. Single ladies are eligible to apply for a license, valid for one year.
UAE drinking license
Regulations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi eased up a bit when some hotels and nightclubs started selling liquor. People who consume alcohol must have a special permit from the Department of the Interior or face arrest, fines and possible jail time. Yes, alcohol is served in most of the hotel's main bars, but technicallythis is for guests only. People consuming alcohol in the hotel who do not stay there must have their own personal alcohol license.
They are only issued to persons holding valid UAE residency permits who are non-Muslims.
However, what is acceptable in Dubai is not always applicable in other states of the UAE. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol in Sharjah.
Please note that alcohol licenses are specific to the Emirates and the drinking license issued for Dubai only allows you to drink in Dubai. A separate license is required for each Emirate.
Alcohol related incidents
Travelers arrested for any alcohol-related incident are usually jailed and await a court hearing for many days. Pen alties for any form of crime tend to be quite hefty, especially when it comes to driving under the influence or causing injury. In addition to fines, long prison sentences are provided.
Reviews of tourists
Numerous reviews of tourists about alcohol in Dubai will answer the main points of interest of those who are going to visit this country. There is alcohol, you can drink it, and the general opinion that it is problematic to buy alcohol in the UAE and no one drinks it is a myth. Often, they buy either in Duty Free (the allowable volume is 4 liters) or in specialized stores that require a license. There is a "black" market, where you can go only at your own peril and risk, but you need to remember– if law enforcement officers catch you, the punishment will be very severe.
The laws and customs in the UAE are very different from the laws in Orthodox countries. Control your behavior so as not to offend Muslims and not cause problems, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
