Alcohol shops in Abu Dhabi
The UAE is home to expat residents from across the world. While the country itself has strong Islamic foundations, the government also upholds the importance of tolerance and cultural diversity. To cater to the large non-Muslim expat population, there are well-regulated alcohol stores in Abu Dhabi. Knowing where to buy liquor legally in the capital as well as local laws and tax rates is always helpful. In this blog, we shall list down the best liquor stores in Abu Dhabi.
TOP LIQUOR STORES IN ABU DHABI
First things first. You need to get a liquor licence to purchase alcohol from any of the top liquor stores in Abu Dhabi. If you are uncertain about the process for this we have prepared an extensive guide on how to get a liquor licence in Abu Dhabi to legally buy alcoholic beverages in the capital.
Once you have the permit, you can check out the best Abu Dhabi liquor shops.
GRAY, MACKENZIE & PARTNERS
Founded in 1981, Gray, Mackenzie & Partners (formerly Gray & Mackenzie) is one of the popular liquor shops in Abu Dhabi. Choose from a range of wines, spirits and blended liquor at this alcohol shop in Abu Dhabi. You can also find your favourite champagnes, such as G.H. MUMM N V, Devaux Brut NV, Perrier Jouet NV and the bubbly Spanish variety, Hola Cava at great prices. This Abu Dhabi alcohol store covers everything from whisky and wine to vodka and beer.
- Location: Basement, The Hilton Capital Grand Hotel, Airport Road
- Contact: +971-2-444-9773
- Opening hours: 09:30 am to 10:00 pm | Fridays 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
SPINNEYS
Second on our list of top Abu Dhabi liquor stores is Spinneys Abu Dhabi, one of the leading supermarket chains in the Middle East. Spinneys also stocks some of the best alcohol brands from around the world in Abu Dhabi. Spinneys is the beverage supplier for 25% of the city’s hospitality and entertainment outlets. Their stores are conveniently located at various locations in Abu Dhabi. Those looking for online liquor stores in Abu Dhabi can shop for alcohol online on the Spinneys Abu Dhabi website.
WINDMILL CELLAR
Next up on our list is the Windmill Cellar, a liquor store specialising in importing and distributing all your favourite global brands and alcoholic beverages. Be it wine, beer or spirit, you can find the right drink for whatever occasion you are celebrating. Visit the official website to learn more about exclusive deals and get updates on new products and sales.
Presently, there are four branches of Windmill Cellar in Abu Dhabi. The company is offering all-day delivery in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
LOCATIONS & CONTACT
- Windmill Cellar Ghantoot: Al Jazira Resort, Golden Tulip Hotel Junction Exit – 399 Dubai – Abu Dhabi – Dubai Motorway – Ghantoot | +971-2-562-0523
- Windmill Cellar Khalifa: Al Rabiah Compound – Khalifa City A SE45 – Abu Dhabi | +971-56-534-7458
- Windmill Cellar Musaffah: Near RAK bank ATM – Musaffah M-11 – Abu Dhabi | +971-56-534-7690
- Windmill Cellar Al Ain: Behind Al Ain Rotana, Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Abu Dhabi | +971-56-409-1827
TIMINGS:
- 09:00 am to 10:00 pm
EURO STAR CELLARS
Euro Star Cellars is another popular store for alcohol in Abu Dhabi. While they have small outlets in the main city, their biggest outlet is located in Ghantoot, close to the outskirts of Dubai. The wide selection of alcohol includes fine wines, spirits, beers and ciders. This particular alcohol shop in Abu Dhabi also offers impressive deals from time to time, such as free 24-beer packs if you spend over AED 1,500. Accessible from both emirates, the Euro Star Cellars store also has sufficient parking.
- Location: Al Jazira Resort, Junction 399, Abu Dhabi – Dubai Highway
- Contact : +971-2-562-0523
- Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm | Friday 09:00 am to 12:00 pm, 01:30 pm to 10:00 pm
AFRICAN+EASTERN (A+E)
One of the most popular alcohol stores in Abu Dhabi is African+Eastern. With several branches across the UAE, African+Eastern also offers online alcohol licensing services for both locals and tourists. A + E has multiple locations across the emirate and you can easily browse their alcohol collection on their official website.
ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DUTY FREE
Those flying into the city can also purchase alcohol from the Duty Free Liquor & Tobacco section at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. In fact, the Abu Dhabi Duty Free alcohol shop is the place to get limited editions and unique selections of Scotch and malt whiskeys, white spirits, cognac, wine and champagne that are usually not found at other retail centres. Not to mention, Abu Dhabi Airport Duty Free offers online shopping, where you can purchase your favourite liquor from their online catalogue and later collect it upon arriving at the airport, just after passport control. You can place an order up to two weeks or even four hours prior to your arrival.
- Location: Terminal 1, Lower Level | Terminal 2, Main Level | Terminal 3, Main Level
- Contact: +971-2-575-9757
MMI
Finally, we have MMI, one of the largest and most popular alcohol shops in Abu Dhabi. You can shop for a range of different brands of spirit, wine and beer and get your alcohol licence in Abu Dhabi.
Popular and best selling international beers include Heineken, Amstel, Tiger Beer and Sol. Likewise, you can search from a wide collection of wines from around the world, including award-winning wines such as Nederburg South Africa, Cloudy Bay New Zealand and Concha Y Toro Chile. In addition, you can also shop for premium spirits, such as Glenmorangie, Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, Campari and Martini.
FAQS
WHO CAN BUY ALCOHOL IN ABU DHABI?
Alcohol is readily available in hotels, restaurants and bars in Abu Dhabi. Non-muslim residents and expats can also buy liquor from the stores listed above. You also need to be of legal drinking age, which is 21 and above. Tourists in Abu Dhabi don’t need a liquor licence to consume or buy alcohol. You can easily have a drink at restaurants and bars in the city. If you want to purchase alcohol as a tourist, you will have to fill out a declaration form where you acknowledge the local laws and customs pertaining to alcohol consumption in Abu Dhabi. Single women can also apply for a liquor licence, which is valid for up to a year.
Note that while you can easily purchase alcohol in the city, you should not consume it in public places.
WHAT ARE THE RULES REGARDING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN ABU DHABI?
As per the UAE Alcohol Law of 1972, the punishment for those caught drunk without an alcohol permit includes imprisonment for a period of six months or a fine of Dh5,000 or both.
And as of July 1, 2017, the UAE has a zero-tolerance policy on drunk driving. Motorists caught mixing driving under the influence of alcohol will get a maximum fine of Dh20,000 and/or a jail term to be decided by the court. Additional penalties include 23 black points and confiscation of the vehicle for two months.
This concludes our guide on the best alcohol shops in Abu Dhabi. If you are travelling to other emirates, you can also check out our lists of the best liquor stores in Dubai. Frequent visitors to the northern emirates can check out the top alcohol shops in Ajman as well.
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