Drinking in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know
Everything you wanted to know about Drinking in Dubai has been explained here. Dubai had a strict alcohol regulation from the old times, which were later subdued to attract tourists and visitors! In 2023, the UAE government announced a release of the 30 percent general tax on purchasing alcohol in the Emirates for locals and tourists (source). So, happiness is in the air with drinking alcohol being a social status in Dubai! But still, there are a few restrictions to follow when drinking in Dubai across public sectors and posh nightclubs across the destination. Some of the top alcohol restrictions to follow in Dubai are listed below for the readers’ interest!
Complete Guide on Drinking in Dubai
Dubai is a place filled with elegance, grandeur, and splendor, with lavish lounges and bistros to relish alcoholic beverages here! Some of the top alcohol restrictions administered by the governing body are mentioned below for the audience. It’s important to know about the rules and regulation of drinking in Dubai.
Here is the Rules & Law on Drinking in Dubai
-
Age Restriction
Dubai is pretty strict against the age to buy and drink alcohol and has made a restriction of 21 years for individuals! Tourists or locals found underage buying or drinking at the lounges or pubs shall be imposed a fine or even a jail sentence for a few months. It is best to learn about the proper rules from the Dubai authorities and officials before drinking at pubs and nightclubs in Dubai!
-
Drink at the Proper Places
Another important restriction imposed by the Dubai government officials is to drink at proper places around the city! There are nightclubs, pubs, lounges, and even beach resorts to enjoy a soothing alcoholic drink across the premises. Drinking in public is severely banned, and anyone found doing so shall face a jail term with a fine to bear during the legal processes!
-
Do not Drink and Drive in Dubai
Many tourists visit during in Dubai new year eve and go for party and drive. But let us inform you that the Dubai is pretty stricter towards Drinking in Dubai than other parts of the world and has administered certain important regulations and rules over the same. Drinking and driving vehicles in Dubai is considered a heinous crime and can get the vehicle confiscated with extreme charges. Moreover, 23 black points are stamped for that individual with 60 days of prison sentence if caught guilty in the case!
-
Get a license to buy alcohol in Dubai
Dubai has strict rules and regulations for buying alcohol, and the main registered alcohol stores available are African Eastern and MMI! Alcohol can be easily obtained from the stores with a valid license and over the restricted age of 21 years. There are two ways to get the license, viz., online and offline. Both the registered stores have online and offline options for buyers to get their alcohol license for free!
-
Stay aware of the Police Personnel
Dubai has strict police vigilance for crimes with legal issues, and the same goes for drinking in Dubai as well! Drinking in public or getting sloshed in public can cause a jail term of 6 months with a fine amount to pay for the legal processes. Do not even act drunk when you are not drinking in public, as it can cause harsh actions by the Dubai Police for the individuals faking it!
-
Do not step into Mosques after Drinking
Dubai is home to an array of religious places and mosques where religious practices are carried out! Tourists and even locals are advised not to drink and travel to the religious places in Dubai. If anyone is caught in the act, they can be sentenced to a jail term of a few years along with a heavy fine imposed by the Dubai government officials!
-
Do not drink during the Ramadan month
Dubai is also strict over the drinking in Dubai regulations during the Ramadan period! Many tourists come to Dubai to enjoy a holiday trip and look for pubs and beach resorts for alcoholic drinks here. But during the Ramadan month, it is strictly advised not to serve drinks or consume them across public places. Many locals and visitors have their religious sentiments attached to the cause, and drinking during that time can cause extensive jail terms with a good fine amount to bear!
Closing Words
Therefore, to wrap up, these are the top alcohol restrictions administered by the Dubai government officials! One should follow the guidelines when thinking about drinking in Dubai is allowed or not. Guests and visitors can also visit the online government portals and find the proper alcohol rules and regulations posted for the general public in Dubai!