One of the biggest misconceptions about Dubai is that you cannot drink alcohol. And if you do, there will be serious consequences. This is a myth, but still, you will have to follow some simple rules in order to avoid problems and misunderstandings with the local population.
Dubai City - United Arab Emirates Tourism Center
Due to the fact that the city is a center of tourism, as well as due to the large number of emigrants living in Dubai, the use of alcohol is allowed for non-Muslims.
However, the city is still Muslim, which lives and follows the rules of Sharia (religious legal system of the Islamic faith). Therefore, although Dubai does not tolerate alcohol consumption by non-Muslims, strict rules should still be followed.
Everything 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? Tourists are allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. In other places, this is unacceptable and punishable (even on beaches). Dubai is incredibly strict in relation to public drinking and has zero tolerance for alcohol.
- The punishable offense is drinking or being exposed to alcohol in public. The legal age for drinking strong drinks is 18 years in Abu Dhabi (although the Ministry of Tourism allows hotels to sell alcohol only to people over 21 years old) and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (except for Sharjah, where alcohol is illegal).
- You can drink alcohol in Dubai, but for this you need a license - permission to purchase a drink (but there is a way around this point). There is a loophole: to avoid receiving this document, you can purchase alcohol in 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. During a vacation in Dubai, you can notice the absence of police in public places and succumb to the temptation to drink cold beer or a cocktail on the beach. Do not forget, law enforcement everywhere, mixed with the crowd, dressed like a civilian population. Being drunk in public will result in six months of imprisonment and heavy fines.
- The government of Dubai, with their harsh penalties, understands what tourists and non-Muslim residents who want to drink a good cocktail or a glass of fine wine in the evening. That is why bars, hotels and nightclubs offer a wide range of wines, beers and cocktails. Four and five-star hotels (and, of course, exclusive seven-star hotels) are proud that they have the best bartenders and sommeliers in the world.
- For immigrant residents and tourists visiting the UAE, it is important to know the local laws regarding alcohol consumption in order to avoid fines and even imprisonment. Here's a look at some of the most important legal aspects related to alcohol use below that will answer the question: can I drink alcohol in Dubai?
How to avoid problems while drinking alcohol
- You can’t do it publicly. The first thing you need to learn is 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 have a drink. In addition, there are specialized stores 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. The rules for drinking alcohol apply to both residents and non-residents in the UAE.
- Driving while intoxicated is a crime. Alcohol affects the rate of reaction, coordination, and ability to drive normally. Dubai has zero tolerance for drunk drivers. The amended federal law on road traffic came into force on July 1, 2017. The new rules are aimed at protecting the lives of road users and reducing the number of road casualties from six to three people per 100,000 by 2021. This is not just a “fine”. Motorists caught drunk driving will receive a maximum fine of AED 20,000 and / or a prison term to be determined by the court. Confiscation of the vehicle is also provided. Additional sanctions related to the adoption of derivative measures by a court may include the suspension of a driver’s license for a period of at least three months and no more than two years.
- The punishment for drinking or drinking alcohol without permission includes imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of 5,000 dirhams, or both. This complies with the UAE Alcohol Consumption Act of 1972.
- At work, drinking alcohol during the day is a serious problem that can harm others. If a person is drunk or under the influence of drugs during working hours, the employer has the right to dismiss the employee without notice.
- Import of alcohol. The volume should not exceed 4 liters of alcohol or 2 boxes / boxes of beer (each of 24 cans not exceeding 355 ml).
How to get a license?
Non-Muslims have the right to buy or consume alcohol if they have a license. To get it you need:
- be over 21 years old;
- have a residence visa;
- have a minimum income of at least 3,000 dirhams (about 800 dollars).
How to apply?
Application forms are available online on websites. Copies of forms are also available at stores. The applicant must fill out the form and return to the supermarket with the necessary documents:
- Photocopy of passport, photocopy of visa and lease.
- A photocopy of the employment contract (in Arabic and English).
- Certificate of Income.
- A couple of photos.
- Pay 270 dirhams.
As a rule, it takes about a couple of weeks to process an application for permission. If you want to obtain a license through your company, the application must have 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 with the application.
Muslims and license
- If the couple wants a license, only the husband can apply.
- If she is married to a Muslim woman, a written consent from her husband is required for permission. Wife data will be added to the chip card. After receiving permission-license, a woman will be allowed to buy alcohol without the presence of her husband. Single ladies have the right to apply for a license, its validity is one year.
License for a drink in the UAE
The rules in Dubai and Abu Dhabi softened somewhat when some hotels and nightclubs began selling alcohol. People who consume alcohol must have special permission from the Ministry of the Interior or face arrest, fines and possible imprisonment. Yes, alcohol is served in most of the hotel’s main bars, but technically it is only for guests. People who consume alcohol in a hotel who do not stay there must have their personal alcohol license.
They are issued only to persons who have valid residence permits in the UAE, and who are not Muslims.
However, what is permissible 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 a drink license issued for Dubai only allows you to drink in Dubai. Each emirate requires a separate license.
Alcohol Incidents
Travelers arrested for any alcohol-related incident are usually imprisoned and awaiting trial for many days. Penalties for any form of crime are usually quite serious, especially when it comes to drunk driving or injury. In addition to fines, a long prison sentence is provided.
Tourists reviews
Numerous reviews of tourists about alcohol in Dubai will answer the main points of interest for those who were going to visit this country. There is alcohol, you can drink it, but the general opinion that buying alcohol in the UAE is problematic and no one drinks it is a myth. Often, they buy either in Duty Free (allowable volume of 4 liters) or in specialized stores in which they will require a license. There is a “black” market where you can go only at your own peril and risk, but you need to remember that if law enforcement officers catch you, the punishment will be very severe.
Laws and customs in the UAE are very different from laws in Orthodox countries. Control your behavior so as not to offend Muslims and cause problems, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.