Can you drink in Dubai? Alcohol Laws in Dubai explained.

Can You Drink in Dubai? Alcohol Laws Explained

By Richard Hoskisson – October 2023

As a permanent resident in Dubai for 21 years, I understand the common question: Can you drink in Dubai? Navigating the city’s alcohol laws can be confusing, especially for newcomers and tourists, but I’ve lived through Dubai’s transformation and have firsthand experience with how these laws have evolved. You can find more information in my article ‘Is Dubai Worth Visiting?’

With my deep understanding of the local culture and regulations, I’ve simplified the rules and laws regarding alcohol consumption for you. Whether you’re visiting or planning to stay long-term, this quick reference guide will help you confidently understand where and how you can legally enjoy a drink.

Use this guide to get clear answers about;

  • Legal drinking age
  • Alcohol licenses
  • Where drinking is permitted
  • Where you can buy alcohol
  • What’s expected of you as a visitor or resident in Dubai

My goal is to provide practical, accurate, and easy-to-follow information based on my personal experience living in Dubai.



Understanding Dubai’s Drinking Laws

Dubai has a population rich in diversity and culture. Consequently the rulers have endeavoured to introduced exemplary rules and reforms to reflect this diverse population. Alcohol laws have been recently changed to ensure greater clarity, justice, equality, and fairness.

⚠️ Each of the 7 Emirates of the UAE have different rules and laws. This post focuses only on the laws for the Emirate of Dubai.


Legal Drinking Age In Dubai

Two old fashioned champagne glasses on a wooden table.

To drink alcohol in Dubai, you must be at least 21 years of age. Offering alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age is illegal. This includes in private homes and hotel rooms.

Always carry a valid form of identification to prove your age.

⚠️ Drinking underage can carry a sentence of imprisonment and a fine of up to 100,000 AED.

Champagne bottles displayed on a shelf below lettering reading Moet & Chandon.

Key Rules For Tourists

Previously tourists could not purchase alcohol in Dubai. However, since the relaxation of the laws in 2020, tourists and non-residents can now freely buy alcohol from designated retailers (MMI/African and Eastern).

⚠️ You will need to present your passport showing tourists entry stamp to retail staff to complete your purchase.

A yellow Passport titled Expo Dubai Passport next to a large glass of beer.

Important Changes To The Laws In 2023

As stated above the relaxation of rules in 2020 made the purchase of alcohol for residents and visitors much easier.

In 2023, rules were further relaxed with the removal of the annual fee for registering for an alcohol licence for residents. In addition the 30% tax added to retail prices has been scrapped making alcoholic drinks much more affordable.


Alcohol Licensing And Buying In Dubai

Do You Need A Licence?

Yes. Residents of Dubai need a licence to buy alcohol. However, don’t worry as it is now incredibly easy to obtain.


How To Get A licence

Head to an MMI or African & Eastern store with your Emirates ID (if you are a resident) or your passport (if you are a visitor).

a red shop front with the name African & Eastern in large letters.

Licences are now free and are linked to your Emirates ID (or passport) for 12 months. Tourist licences are valid for 30 days.

Staff in the stores will take care of the administration for you. It will only take a few minutes.

⚠️ Residents should note that a limit is placed on how much you can spend on alcohol in one month, based on your salary. But don’t worry these are generous allowances.


Where To Buy Alcohol

Alcohol can only legally be sold by the two official distributors in Dubai – African & Eastern (A & E) or Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI). There are stores all over the city in most neighbourhoods.

A large display of alcoholic drinks.

MMI has 24 stores across Dubai, find the closes to you by clicking here.

Unfortunately at the time of writing the A&E site is not working to share a link.


Where You Can Drink Legally

If purchasing alcohol from MMI or A&E for consumption privately, thus must be done in the privacy of your own home or accommodation.

⚠️ Drinking alcohol in public places such as beaches or parks is not permitted.


Venues Serving Alcohol

Multiple wine bottles of many colours are illuminated from below.

There are countless venues such as hotels, bars, restaurants, sports clubs (golf clubs) and nightclubs where alcohol can be purchased easily and consumed on site.

⚠️ Alcohol will only be served to people aged 21 or above and ID may be required.


Bringing Your Own Alcohol Into Dubai

If travelling into Dubai, you can bring your own alcohol, but there are limits to how much you can bring.

You can bring in;

🍾 4 litres of wines or spirits
Or
🍺 2 cases of beer per person over the age of 21.

Alcohol can be purchased upon arrival from Dubai Duty Free in the baggage halls of DXB (airport). This is reasonably priced and often cheaper than Duty Free at your departure point.


Alcohol Costs In Dubai

Since the law changes in 2023, alcohol has become significantly cheaper in Dubai. The tax of 30% has been scrapped and the price on the shelf is the price you will pay at the counter.

A display of wines in a shop.

How Much Does It Actually Cost?

That really depends on what you are buying.

🍷 A fairly standard bottle of wine can cost anywhere between 50-100 AED per bottle in the store. Expect to pay significantly more for the same bottle in a restaurant.

Whispering Angel, which is a very popular rosé wine will cost around 120 AED in MMI, and anywhere between 300 – 500 AED in a restaurant.

🍾 Champagne can cost around 200-400 AED per bottle in store and more than 100AED in a restaurant.

🍺 Beer can cost around 40-60 AED for a large measure in a bar. Expect to pay around 7-15 AED per bottle in MMI/A&E.


Safety And Regulations

The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country. Its values underpinned by the Islamic religion which prohibits its followers from consuming alcohol.

Consequently, those consuming alcohol must be respectful of the local culture.


Drink Driving Limits

You should not drink any alcohol if you plan to drive. There is a ZERO drink driving limit and laws are strict.

⚠️ Punishments can include custodial sentences, large fines and having your licence revoked. Residents can also receive 23 black points and have their vehicle confiscated for up to 60 days.


Police Monitoring And Penalties

There is a large amount of undercover police working in Dubai. This helps to maintain the safe and secure environment of Dubai.

However you should be aware that being drunk/intoxiacted in public is illegal and can lead to punishments of up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 AED.

💡 When leaving a venue, take a taxi/uber to your next destination so as to avoid being on the street.

In reality these rules are rarely enforced, but you must be aware of them.


FAQs On Drinking In Dubai


Can Muslims Drink In Dubai?

Despite followers of the Islamic faith being advised not to drink alcohol, it is now permitted for Muslims to buy alcohol in Dubai.

It is advisable to be discreet and drink sensibly in moderation. Punishments can be harsh if intoxicated in public.


Can You Go To Jail For Being drunk?

Yes, for being intoxicated, rowdy and a nuisance to others when drunk can bring harsh penalties. In reality these are rarely enforced, but one must be mindful and respectful of the Islamic faith that underpins the UAE.


What Are The Rules For Social Media?

When posting to social media remember to be culturally sensitive. You should not post pictures of alcohol or drunken behaviour in Dubai. Drunken photos that offend the UAE’s Islamic values can lead to legal problems.


Can You Drink Alcohol During Ramadan In Dubai?

Yes, drinking alcohol is permitted during Ramadan. However, one should be even more respectful of those fasting during the holy month.


Are There Dry Areas In Dubai Where Alcohol Is Banned?

Yes. Alcohol must only be consumed in the privacy of your own home or hotel accommodation. Or, in licensed premises such as hotels, bars or clubs. Consuming alcohol elsewhere such as in parks, on beaches or in the street is illegal.


What Are The Penalties For Public Intoxication?

Being publicly drunk, on the street for example, can lead to punishments. According to the new Penal Code, you may get jailed for up to 6 months and fined AED 100,000 for public intoxication.


Can You Buy Alcohol At The Airport In Dubai?

Yes, passengers aged 21 years old and above are permitted to buy 4 litres of alcohol (spirits and wines) or 2 cases of beer upon arrival at Dubai Duty Free in the baggage halls of DXB.


Is Alcohol Delivery Legal In Dubai?

Alcohol delivery is only allowed from the authorised sellers of alcohol ie MMI and A & E.


Are There Restrictions On The Amount Of Alcohol You Can Purchase?

Yes. Residents have a limit that they can spend on alcohol each month based upon the salary that they earn. However these are generous limits and the staff in the stores will often be flexible if you reach your limit.


Can You Drink in Dubai? The Wrap Up.

In conclusion, yes, you can drink in Dubai, but it’s essential to follow the specific laws that govern alcohol consumption in the emirate. As a city that blends modernity with deep-rooted traditions, Dubai’s alcohol laws are structured to maintain respect for its diverse population and cultural values. With recent relaxations, purchasing and consuming alcohol has become much more accessible for residents and tourists alike, provided that you do so within legal boundaries.

Whether you’re buying alcohol from licensed stores like MMI or A&E, enjoying a drink in a hotel bar, or bringing in your own from Dubai Duty Free, understanding these rules will ensure you can drink responsibly while respecting local regulations. Always keep in mind the zero-tolerance policy on drinking in public or while driving, as penalties are strict. By staying informed and considerate, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife Dubai offers without any legal concerns.

Ultimately, Dubai offers a safe and enjoyable environment for those who wish to drink, as long as the rules are respected. Use this guide as a reliable resource to navigate the city’s alcohol laws, ensuring a hassle-free experience during your stay or as a resident.