Overall sales of alcohol dropped to 161.5 million liters (42.6 million gallons) in 2018, down from 163.7 million liters (43.2 million gallons) in 2017, according to Euromonitor. If caught underthe influence of alcohol when driving, you may be fined a maximum of Dh.20,000 and  or imprisonment as decided by the court, apart from 23 black points and confiscation of vehicle for 60 days. © 2005 - 2021 Guide2dubai.com. These laws have come into power immediately and are bound to affect everything from … But a person below the age of 21 will face criminal charges for consuming and possessing alcohol. Recently published guidelines say any alcohol purchased in stores can only be drunk “within your hotel room/apartment.”. Alcohol. That said, the city it is still a Muslim city that follows the rule of Sharia Law (the religious legal system for the Islamic faith). Dubai alcohol rules: Strict booze laws could be relaxed for tourists DUBAI is known for its strict rules around the purchase and use of alcohol, but … Dubai also made obtaining the licenses easier this year, including allowing tourists to obtain a … Around 250,000 Brits live in the UAE, out of 8.4 million foreigners, and dozens have been targeted in recent years for breaking alcohol and drugs laws, or kissing in public. In Dubai … The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday relaxed its Islamic laws that dealt with personal freedoms, loosening alcohol restrictions and criminalising "honour killing". Dubai, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates, draws visitors from around the world to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, as well as to resorts on beaches along the Persian Gulf. Consuming any sort of alcohol – or being drunk – in a public place is prohibited in the UAE. In order to have alcohol at home, bought from duty-free or an off-license shop, you need to have an alcohol license. Dubai Duty Free, which is also government owned, sold over $2 billion of goods last year alone to those passing through its airport terminals, including 9 million cans of beer, 3 million whiskey bottles and 1.5 million bottles of wine. Tourists can buy and drink alcohol in … Tourists can buy and drink alcohol in … The legal age for drinking alcohol in Abu Dhabi is 18. The United Arab Emirates has ended lenient punishments for so-called “honour” killings, lifted a ban on unmarried couples living together and decriminalised alcohol, in reforms to personal laws. Abu Dhabi to end alcohol licence system for residents . According to the official Dubai Customs website as of August 2019, travellers are allowed to bring in 4 litres of alcohol or 2 cartons of beer (with 1 carton equivalent to 24 cans each not more than 355ml) free of duty. As per the law in Dubai, you must possess an alcohol license to purchase or drink in the region. The new procedure on alcohol permits allows tourists to obtain one for free at either African & Eastern or MMI stores after showing their passports and signing a pledge that they aren’t Muslim and will follow local law. In … Local newspaper stories involving alcohol and mayhem routinely included police charging tourists for drinking without a license when they wouldn’t be able to legally register for one. Legal Drinking Age The legal drinking age is 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates of Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm al Quwain and Ajman. And population. The legal drinking age remains 21 but alcohol is now DECRIMINALISED. But even with those restrictions, alcohol-serving establishments always seem full on Thursday nights, the start of the Emirati weekend. Consumption of alcohol at the workplace is a serious offence, and if caught under such a circumstance during working hours, the employer has the right to dismiss the employee without prior notice. "Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. If you break any of these harsh regulations, you could face serious punishments. So while Dubai tolerates alcohol consumption by … This means anyone who drinks or is in possession of alcohol or sells alcoholic beverages in authorised areas without an alcohol licence will not face prosecution. But question arises that what happens when someone in the name of law crosses the limit. 82,318, This story has been shared 70,756 times. Now, … “But the same risks remain as before.”, WHO reports that 2 of 3 polio viruses have been eradicated, This story has been shared 82,318 times. The principle law is Law No. The legal drinking age is 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates of Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm al Quwain and Ajman. Egypt, like other more Westernized Arab countries, has fairly open liquor laws, so much so that you might not initially notice anything different. Californian dies hours after getting COVID-19 vaccine, prompting probe, JoJo Siwa confirms she’s part of LGBTQ community: ‘I’m really, really happy’, Sylvester Stallone lists LA mansion for jaw-dropping $130M, Like boxer dad Oscar, Atiana De La Hoya packs a punch — on Instagram, © 2021 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, American Airlines launches 'at-home wine experience' with unused booze, 19th-century beer cave discovered in St. Louis under community garden, How boozed-up MTA workers may get off scot-free after crashes, American Airlines bans alcohol on DC flights after Capitol siege. It is also important to possess an alcohol license before purchasing alcohol. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. According to the UAE law, you is only allowed to drink in hotels and bars and clubs with a license, as long as you are over 21 and a non-Muslim. Dubai is set to change its rules around alcohol consumption, according to local reports. The laws are not clear and you will understand the law when you are behind the bar in Dubai. Meanwhile, driving after consuming any amount of alcohol remains illegal as does drinking in public. A pint of beer will cost around AED30 in a bar, a glass of wine around AED40 and a basic cocktail around AED50. Throwing back shots, sipping a beer or indulging in a Champagne-soaked brunch in this city-state technically remains illegal without a drinker holding a permit, though no bartender ever asks to see one before pouring a drink. Larry King's magnificent seven — his ex-wives, Dog fight: NYC man chooses jail over giving pup back to his employer, Beloved equestrian 'ousted,' replaced by Alec and Hilaria Baldwin's charity, Trump says 'we'll do something' but 'not just yet' in first post-presidential remark, Kamala Harris moves next door to Joe Biden — see inside her new home. In 2016, Dubai eased rules prohibiting day-time alcohol sales during the holy month of Ramadan, when observant Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and abstain from anything perceived as sinful behavior. Writer/blogger who writes on topics such as travel, real estate, employment and everyday life on GCC countries. The UAE legal system is largely determined by Sharia law, and Sharia law prohibits alcohol. There are also a number of provisions namely relating to the consumption, advertisement, and sale of alcohol in Dubai (e.g. Local Laws in Dubai Dubai alcohol laws. November 7, 2020. In the Emirates’ other major city, Dubai, liquor store purchases require a license, but buying booze in a bar or restaurant does not. Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. Amid the lockdown, Dubai’s two major alcohol distributors began legal home deliveries of alcohol for the first time in hopes of boosting the sales. That said, the city it is still a Muslim city that follows the rule of Sharia Law (the religious legal system for the Islamic faith). We take a look at licensing rules, the minimum drinking age and the venues that serve alcohol in and around Dubai. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Dubai has loosened its liquor laws to allow tourists to purchase alcohol in state-controlled stores, previously only accessible to license-holding residents, as the United Arab Emirates saw the first drop in alcohol sales by volume in a decade. Parking lots don’t appear quite as full as they once were as sale signs plaster shop windows. According to Commercial Permit Guidebook issued by Department of Economic Development - Dubai, it is not permitted to promote tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol… The Dubai Emirate allows residents to consume alcohol in that Emirate only if they have an alcohol licence. Your Ad Choices Also, if you bring alcohol from the duty-free or purchase it from a store, it may help you save some money. Photo: AFP. In major changes to the UAE's laws… The legal age for drinking alcohol in Dubai is 21. The country’s two major liquor store chains are Maritime and Mercantile International, a subsidiary of the government-owned Emirates airline and African & Eastern. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. You can apply for this license online (Abu Dhabi … 999 of 1972 (the ‘Liquor Control Law’). 49,498, © 2021 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved Many people wanted to know about the laws and the regulation that is applicable for drinking alcohol. File AFP The United Arab Emirates dominates other countries around the Mideast when it comes to drinking, with a per-capita alcohol consumption of 3.8 liters (1 gallon) per person per year, according to the World Health Organization. The law states that a person can buy, consume, and sell alcohol in authorised areas even without a licence. Besides, the license-holders can purchase alcohol from designated stores. However, the laws also close a long-standing legal conundrum facing imbibing tourists who travel here. Dubai eased rules prohibiting day-time alcohol sales during the holy month of Ramadan, Find out the jobs behind these expensive clothes, Olay launches sitewide sale in honor of Mercury in retrograde, You can get Coach Outlet's surprise Valentine's Day collection for up to 65 percent off, Brush up on your math skills with this $30 package of online classes, 10 best women’s loungewear sets that are as cute as they are comfortable, 10 best online cooking classes of 2021 for virtual culinary fun from home, Larsa Pippen flaunts ample assets while tanning in string bikini. According to the UAE Federal Law No. In practice, however, these laws are rarely enforced unless you break another law, or someone complains about your behavior. Bars and nightclubs in Dubai are almost entirely limited to operating inside of or connected to hotels — even drink receipts at the Dubai International Airport show up as coming from a hotel attached to the airport. Anyone who wants to drink, sell or have alcohol on them in all authorised areas across the UAE can now legally do so without an alcohol license and face NO PENALTIES WHATSOEVER. All expatriates need a license to drink in the UAE. There are also a number of provisions namely relating to the consumption, advertisement, and sale of alcohol in Dubai (e.g. An aerial view of Dubai, UAE. Alcohol is served only in the restaurants, bars and nightclubs of hotels that have licenses 20. The UAE has eased these alcohol laws in a bid to promote multiculturalism and tolerance. The process finally ends the Catch-22 that tourists here found themselves in if they drank. “After Expo 2020, sales will be more influenced by in-country demographics and dynamics.”. As a license holder, you can purchase alcohol from registered and licensed shops that are part of Mercantile and Marketing International (MMI). The UAE Government has passed a series of law reforms and changes which will have a huge impact on the way we live our life here. Alcohol Laws in Dubai – Where Can You Drink Legally? There’s a 50 percent import tax on a bottle of alcohol, as well as an additional 30 percent tax in Dubai on buying from liquor stores. Keep in mind that in Sharjah drinking alcohol is prohibited completely. Any sexual relation between non-married couples is also illegal. Dubai has loosened its liquor laws to allow tourists to purchase alcohol in state-controlled stores, previously only accessible to license-holding residents, as the United Arab Emirates saw the first drop in alcohol sales by volume in a decade. Dubai loosens its drinking laws to allow tourists to buy alcohol in state-controlled stores and obtain liquor permits. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai has loosened its liquor laws to allow tourists to purchase alcohol in state-controlled stores, previously only accessible to … As per UAE Alcohol Law of 1972, if you are caught drinking without an alcohol permit, the punishment includes imprisonment for a six-month period, or a fine of Dh.5000 or both.Dubai adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving. These limits are applicable irrespective of from where the goods were purchased i.e., they include items purchased at Dubai Duty Free in the arrivals area. Residents will no longer need an alcohol license to consume alcohol in a private or authorised space. Featured News. The recent amendment to the sale and consumption of liquor in Dubai is in line with recent changes to personal Islamic laws in the country. The rules in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have relaxed somewhat with alcohol served in some hotels and nightclubs. Each applicant is also issued with a set of guidelines for responsible drinking in Dubai. However, thinking about tourists, authorities have taken steps in recent years to loosen drinking regulations. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Your California Privacy Rights Despite being a Muslim city alcohol is freely available in most hotels, pubs, nightclubs and bars in Dubai. The hereditarily ruled government’s Dubai Media Office and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing did not respond to requests for comment on the new license program. Dubai is renowned for its strict laws around the purchase of alcohol, but it seems that the rules could be set to relax for tourists. Though most of the bars, clubs, and liquor stores are limited to nicer parts of cities, it’s not hard to find a beer in Egypt, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and in high-end hotels. The amended federal traffic law came into effect on July 1, 2017. 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