Amendments in alcohol licencing laws in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates has recently passed a series of laws and reforms that will have a significant impact on residents and visitors. As part of the reform, the UAE has eased the guidelines on alcohol consumption and purchase as well. How does this apply to liquor licences in Dubai? Do you still need a licence to purchase alcoholic drinks in the city? Let’s find out.
Part of an overhaul to personal laws and freedoms in the UAE
The UAE government recently announced sweeping changes to personal and family laws in the UAE in a bid to appeal to expatriate residents and foreign visitors. This also involves relaxing of Islamic laws for personal freedoms.
One of the changes is the decriminalisation of alcohol consumption without a licence. The move comes as part of significant changes in the country’s personal and family laws, the announcement of which was made on November 7th, 2020.
How does it impact liquor licence requirements in Dubai?
According to the latest announcement from the government, purchasing and consuming alcohol without a liquor licence will no longer be considered a crime in Dubai. The decision applies to the whole country and is similar to the law introduced in Abu Dhabi in September that eased licencing requirements for tourists and residents to buy and drink alcohol.
To allay confusion, here is a brief overview of the latest amendment:
- Alcohol consumption will no longer be a criminal offence
- Individuals will no longer require licences to possess, sell or drink alcoholic beverages in authorised areas
- Alcohol will only be allowed to be consumed privately or in licenced public areas
It must be noted that the minimum age for alcohol consumption in the United Arab Emirates is still 21 years and selling alcohol to underage persons is still an offence. Moreover, Muslims who had been barred from obtaining licences to drink beer and other alcoholic drinks before will be allowed to do so without any penalties in line with the new amendment.
Will I need an alcohol licence in Dubai to shop at a liquor store in the city?
While the new rule does make it easier for residents and visitors to consume alcohol in the city, it doesn’t seem to have gone into full effect just yet. So, you may still need a valid licence to purchase alcohol in a liquor store at the moment. For example, according to the website of Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) —a subsidiary of the Emirates Group and leading wine and spirits brand — the same rules apply,
However, the change does seem to ease up on the documents required to obtain a liquor licence. For instance, according to MMI, customers only need to produce their Emirates IDs to buy liquor at all 17 MMI stores in Dubai. The same may also apply for other liquor stores in Dubai, so it’s better to ask before you buy.
Previously, customers were required additional documentation like a valid passport and visa page copy to apply for a drinking licence in Dubai.
The UAE has eased these alcohol laws in a bid to promote multiculturalism and tolerance. Other amendments to the country’s laws relating to divorce, inheritance, cohabitation and more have also been made to provide a cohesive environment that welcomes people and cultures from around the world.
Apart from the aforementioned changes, you can also learn more about the proposed amendments to the UAE Citizen Law which may allow expats to apply for Emirati citizenship.
Check out our Rules and Regulations section to stay updated on the latest laws in the country.
