Dubai, known for its stunning skyline and luxurious shopping, also offers a diverse range of dining experiences, including the opportunity to enjoy alcohol. But before you dive into the vibrant nightlife, it's important to understand the local laws and regulations. Alcohol in Dubai can only be purchased and consumed in licensed bars, restaurants and from specialised retailers.
To buy or consume alcohol in Dubai, you must be at least 21 years old and have a liquor licence. This can be obtained by both locals and tourists, although tourists can obtain a temporary licence that is valid for 30 days. It is essential to abide by these rules to ensure an enjoyable and lawful stay in Dubai.
The most important facts in a nutshell:
Licensed points of sale: Alcohol may only be purchased or consumed in licensed bars, restaurants and specialised retailers (such as MMI and African & Eastern).
🪪 Age restriction and licence requirement: The consumption and purchase of alcohol is permitted from the age of 21 and requires an alcohol licence, which is also available for tourists.
🚫 Public consumption: The consumption of alcohol in public is strictly forbidden and will be severely penalised.
🕌 Cultural sensitivity: During Ramadan and other religious holidays, special consideration is required as alcohol consumption in public is strictly prohibited.
🚔 Road traffic: Zero-tolerance policy towards drink-driving; Driving a car offences under the influence of alcohol are punished with severe penalties such as fines, imprisonment and deportation.
💸 Higher prices from 2025: Alkoholische Getränke sind aufgrund der Wiedereinführung der 30 % Alkoholsteuern, den Importzöllen und Lizenzgebühren relativ teuer.
Is alcohol allowed in Dubai?
Alcohol enjoys a special status in Dubai, governed by strict rules and regulations. Your enjoyment of alcoholic beverages depends heavily on compliance with local laws
General laws and regulations
In Dubai, you are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages in licensed establishments such as hotels, bars and special clubs. Here are the main points you need to be aware of:
- Minimum ageConsumption and purchase of alcohol is only permitted from the age of 21.
- Alcohol licenceAs a resident, you need an official licence to buy alcohol and store it in your home. This does not apply to tourists. For tourists, alcohol is freely available without a licence.
- Public areasConsumption of alcohol in public is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe penalties.
Influence of local culture and religion
Islam has a significant influence on local laws in Dubai. As alcohol is forbidden in Islam, this is also reflected in the strict alcohol regulations.
- Respect for the local cultureYou are expected to respect cultural norms and not consume alcohol in public places, especially during religious holidays. This is not a blanket rule and will vary from restaurant to restaurant. Hotels are not affected.
- Behaviour in publicAny sign of drunkenness in public is not tolerated and can have unpleasant consequences under criminal law.
Special features during Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, special rules apply to the consumption of alcohol in Dubai. During this time, you are not allowed to consume alcohol in public during the day.
- Consumption restrictionsMost restaurants and bars are not allowed to serve alcohol during fasting hours. You can only consume alcohol in licensed establishments after sunset. This rule does not apply across the board and may vary from establishment to establishment.
- Increased sensitivityObservance of these rules not only shows legal conformity, but also respect and consideration for fasting Muslims.
Acquisition and possession of alcohol
Wichtige Änderungen bei der Alkohollizenz in Dubai ab 2025:
From January 2025, Dubai will once again 30 % Alcohol tax which was temporarily suspended at the end of 2022. This tax reintroduction will have a direct impact on the prices of alcoholic beverages in restaurants, bars and retailers across Dubai. The original suspension of the tax was initially planned for 2023 and was then extended until the end of 2024.
The change was communicated to restaurants and bars by the major drinks distributors MMI and African+Eastern. The new regulation comes into force on 1 January 2025 and applies to all orders invoiced from this date. Expats still require an alcohol licence for private alcohol purchases, but this remains available free of charge
Where can you buy alcohol in Dubai?
There are a limited number of licensed shops in Dubai that are allowed to sell alcohol. These are:
- Maritime and Mercantile International MMI for short: Here you will find a wide selection of wines, beers and spirits.
- African & Eastern: Known for its extensive wine selection and a variety of other alcoholic beverages.
- The Cellar Door: Offers exclusive wines and spirits.
Alcohol licences for residents (expats)
If you live in Dubai and are an expat, you will need an alcohol licence to legally buy, possess and consume alcohol. The steps to obtain such a licence are:
- ApplicationYou must submit an application to one of the licensed sales outlets such as MMI or African & Eastern.
- Proof of incomeProof of a minimum monthly income is required.
- Proof of residenceYou must be able to prove that you are a valid resident of Dubai.
- Fees: No fees have been charged for the licence since January 2023.
Import of alcohol to Dubai
The private import of alcohol into Dubai is strictly regulated. If you wish to import alcohol into the emirate, please observe the following guidelines:
- Quantity limitationImport is limited to a certain quantity, which is normally very small.
- Licence requiredYou need an import licence from the competent authority in Dubai.
- Customs duties and taxes: Imported alcohol may be subject to high customs duties and taxes.
- Observe prohibited timesDuring special religious times, such as Ramadan, imports may be subject to stricter restrictions.
Always follow local laws and regulations to ensure your stay in Dubai remains comfortable and compliant.
Alcohol consumption, public and private spaces
Is alcohol allowed in public?
Drinking alcohol in public is strictly prohibited in Dubai. You may only consume alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels, bars and special clubs. Public places such as streets, parks or beaches are taboo for the consumption of alcohol. This rule applies without exception, regardless of whether you are a tourist or a permanent resident of Dubai.
Differences in practice
Although the law is clear, in practice there are differences in how these rules are enforced. You can consume alcohol in licensed premises and it is generally recognised that tourists will not be dealt with harshly in these areas as long as they behave decently. In private premises, such as your home or private clubs, you can also consume alcohol provided you have the required alcohol licence.
Here are some examples of where alcohol consumption is accepted:
- Licensed restaurants
- Private clubs
- Hotel room
Legal consequences of violations
If you don't follow the rules and consume alcohol in public, the legal consequences can be severe. The penalties can range from fines to prison sentences and even deportation.
- Fines: These may vary depending on the severity of the offence.
- Prison sentences: Repeated offences in particular can lead to prison sentences.
- Deportation: In serious cases, deportation from the United Arab Emirates can take place.
It is extremely important that you always inform yourself about the local laws and rules and respect them in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Alcohol and road traffic
Blood alcohol limits and legal consequences
Dubai has a strict zero tolerance policy for drink driving. This means that even the slightest evidence of alcohol in your blood can lead to severe legal consequences. Here is the most important information you should know:
- Blood alcohol limit: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%. Any value, however low, is considered an offence.
- Arrest: You can be arrested immediately if alcohol is detected in your blood during a traffic check.
- Fines: The amount of the fine can be very high and depends on the exact circumstances of the offence.
- Driving ban: A driving ban is usually imposed and can last several months or longer.
- Prison sentence: It is possible that you will be sentenced to prison, which can last several weeks to months.
- Deportation: For foreign nationals, a conviction for drink-driving can also lead to deportation.
| Blood alcohol limit | Consequence of the overrun |
|---|---|
| 0,0 % | Arrest, fine, driving ban, prison sentence, deportation |
It is extremely important that you take these rules seriously and adhere strictly to them to avoid serious consequences. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence in Dubai that can jeopardise both your future and your safety.
Prices for alcohol
Why is alcohol relatively expensive in Dubai?
In Dubai, you may find that the prices of alcoholic drinks are higher than in many other countries. This is mainly due to several specific factors that affect the final cost of a drink:
- State-imposed taxes: Until the beginning of 2023, an alcohol tax of 30 % was levied. Although this tax has now been abolished, prices were traditionally characterised by high state taxes.
- Import dutiesDubai imports most alcohol brands, which is associated with high import duties. These costs are passed on to the end consumer.
- Licence feesAlthough the need for an alcohol licence has recently been abolished, pubs still incur costs in acquiring and renewing their operating licences.
- High operating costsThe cost of operating licensed establishments in Dubai, including hotels and bars, can be significant. These are often factored into the price of drinks.
Price examples in licensed bars (as of 2025):
Prices vary greatly depending on the brand and location. Here is a general overview of common prices you can expect in licensed bars:
| Beverage | Average price |
|---|---|
| Beer (0.5 litres) | 50 - 65 Dirham = approx. 12 Euro |
| Glass of wine (150 ml) | 40 - 60 = approx. 10 - 15 Euro |
| Cocktails | 50 - 70 = approx. 12 - 18 Euro |
These prices can help you plan your budget if you take into account alcohol consumption during your stay in Dubai.
Conclusion
If you are a tourist planning your stay in Dubai, it is crucial to be aware of the local laws regarding alcohol consumption. If you are a resident, understanding the need for a liquor licence and the restrictions on public consumption will help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Also be aware of the higher cost of alcohol due to taxes and fees.
Frequently asked questions on the topic
How expensive is alcohol in Dubai?
Alcohol is traditionally very expensive in Dubai. Before the recent tax cut, a pint of beer in many hotel bars cost around AED 45 (approx. €11). A bottle of wine could cost over 60 AED (approx. 15 euros).
Why is alcohol so expensive in Dubai?
There were several reasons for the high alcohol prices:
- 30 % Taxes on alcohol sales levied until the end of 2022.
- High operating costs such as rents, staff etc. for bars and restaurants.
With the abolition of the 30 % tax and licences for 2023, prices will fall somewhat, but probably not by the full 30 % in bars/restaurants due to the other cost factors
