A guide on how to get an alcohol licence in Dubai
Dubai, with its vibrant lifestyle and diverse expatriate population, has specific regulations governing the purchase and consumption of alcohol. Want to apply for an alcohol licence in Dubai? We bring you a complete guide to the process, including costs and eligibility.
IMPORTANCE OF ALCOHOL LICENCE IN DUBAI
Dubai welcomes expats and tourists from all over the world. The city has vibrant nightlife and alcohol is available fairly easily across the city. However, alcohol purchase and consumption are regulated, which is why having a liquor licence in Dubai is mandatory. A drinking licence in Dubai allows the holder to purchase, transport and store liquor in their home legally:
- Remember that a Dubai alcohol licence is mandatory for residents who want to purchase alcohol.
- As per tourist laws for visiting Dubai, consuming alcohol in licenced restaurants and pubs doesn’t require a liquor licence. However, if you wish to purchase alcohol, you must have a temporary licence.
- Earlier, consuming alcohol without a licence was a crime. However, after laws regarding alcohol consumption changed in 2020, this rule was made redundant.
RULES FOR OBTAINING A LIQUOR LICENCE IN DUBAI
Those who want to apply for an alcohol licence in Dubai should keep the following rules in mind:
- You must be above the age of 21 to get a Dubai alcohol licence.
- The holder of a liquor permit in Dubai must be non-Muslim.
- UAE residents must hold a valid Emirates ID.
- Tourists need their passports (Dubai entry stamp).
GETTING A LIQUOR LICENCE IN DUBAI
FOR RESIDENTS
- Head to Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) or African + Eastern stores in Dubai with your Emirates ID.
- Submit the application
- Wait for the approval
Please note:
- Once the licence is approved, you can collect it from the pre-selected store.
VALIDITY
A Dubai liquor licence remains valid for one year.
FOR TOURISTS
- Visit any MMI or African + Eastern store in Dubai with your original passport (bearing a Dubai entry stamp).
- Sign a form to confirm that you are a tourist who understands the rules of purchasing, transporting and consuming alcohol in Dubai.
VALIDITY
Tourists get a temporary Dubai alcohol permit, which remains valid for 30 days.
ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR DUBAI LIQUOR LICENCE
- The applicant must be 21-years-old and above
- The applicant must have a valid Emirates ID or passport to apply for drinking licence in Dubai.
DRINKING LICENCE IN DUBAI PRICE
Effective from 1st January 2023, liquor licences in Dubai are free.
FAQs ABOUT DUBAI LIQUOR LICENCE
HAS THE DUBAI MUNICIPALITY REINSTATED TAX ON ALCOHOL?
Yes, the Dubai Municipality has reinstated the 30% tax on liquor. It will be levied from 1st January 2025.
HOW TO BUY ALCOHOL IN DUBAI?
There are plenty of licenced restaurants and bars in Dubai from where you can easily buy alcohol.
WHERE CAN I USE MY ALCOHOL LICENCE?
With a liquor licence, you can buy alcohol online or from brick-and-mortar stores of African+Eastern or MMI in Dubai.
CAN YOU BUY ALCOHOL IN DUBAI?
Yes, you can! There are authorised alcohol dealers in Dubai such as Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) and African + Eastern. In addition to these places, you can buy liquor from Dubai Duty Free.
CAN I APPLY FOR ALCOHOL LICENCE IN DUBAI ONLINE?
Yes, you can apply online for alcohol licence in Dubai via MMI’s official website.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A LIQUOR LICENCE IN ABU DHABI?
You can follow this procedure to apply for an alcohol licence in Abu Dhabi.
That concludes our guide to getting an alcohol licence in Dubai. If this is your first time visiting the city, you should familiarise yourself with the rules in Dubai for tourists.
While Dubai may be a modern city, it is important to note that the government has a zero-tolerance policy for anyone breaking the rules. The Dubai drinking laws for tourists and residents state that driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
For more updates on Dubai and other emirates, stay tuned to MyBayut.
