The legal drinking age is 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates of Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm al Quwain and Ajman. Find out about about Dubai, UAE local laws for license, who can buy, fine, duty free buying, trade law … An alcohol license permits the license holder, and only that person to consume, store, transport or possess alcohol, which means, that even to have alcohol at your home in Dubai, you need to own a license. The UAE is a little like the United States in that laws vary from emirate to emirate. Writer/blogger who writes on topics such as travel, real estate, employment and everyday life on GCC countries. Around 250,000 Brits live in the UAE, out of 8.4 million foreigners, and dozens have been targeted in recent years for breaking alcohol and drugs laws, or kissing in public. The laws will "boost the country’s economic and social standing and consolidate the UAE’s principles of tolerance", the state news agency WAM reports. The official word from the UAE government was that drinking alcohol will also no longer be an offence. This means anyone who drinks or is in possession of alcohol or sells alcoholic beverages in authorised areas without an alcohol licence will not face prosecution. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Your California Privacy Rights So while Dubai tolerates alcohol consumption by … However, the laws on alcohol consumption in Dubai are very different from those in other nations, and if you are found breaking some of these strict laws, you could face hefty punishments. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai has loosened its liquor laws to allow tourists to purchase alcohol in state-controlled stores, previously only accessible to … Dubai is set to change its rules around alcohol consumption, according to local reports. Photo: AFP. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Dubai eased rules prohibiting day-time alcohol sales during the holy month of Ramadan, Find out the jobs behind these expensive clothes, Olay launches sitewide sale in honor of Mercury in retrograde, You can get Coach Outlet's surprise Valentine's Day collection for up to 65 percent off, Brush up on your math skills with this $30 package of online classes, 10 best women’s loungewear sets that are as cute as they are comfortable, 10 best online cooking classes of 2021 for virtual culinary fun from home, Larsa Pippen flaunts ample assets while tanning in string bikini. Individuals must still be over the age of 21 … According to Commercial Permit Guidebook issued by Department of Economic Development - Dubai, it is not permitted to promote tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol… The legal age for drinking alcohol in Abu Dhabi is 18. “But the same risks remain as before.”, WHO reports that 2 of 3 polio viruses have been eradicated, This story has been shared 82,318 times. The rules in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have relaxed somewhat with alcohol served in some hotels and nightclubs. Sitemap However, some restaurants offer rewards in the form of vouchers, happy hours, apart from plenty of deals and savings. In September 2020, Abu … Legal Drinking Age . There are also a number of provisions namely relating to the consumption, advertisement, and sale of alcohol in Dubai (e.g. Though most of the bars, clubs, and liquor stores are limited to nicer parts of cities, it’s not hard to find a beer in Egypt, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and in high-end hotels. Alcohol. The Dubai Emirate allows residents to consume alcohol in that Emirate only if they have an alcohol licence. The driver may be imprisoned as per Article No.59.3 of the law for driving under influence of alcohol or any other such narcotic substance. The new laws are federal and affect all emirates. Majority of restaurants with alcohol-serving bars that are part of hotel, are expensive places to consume alcohol. In order to have alcohol at home, bought from duty-free or an off-license shop, you need to have an alcohol license. In Dubai, 14.33 per cent of crashes are caused by drivers who were under the influence of alcohol. Many people wanted to know about the laws and the regulation that is applicable for drinking alcohol. The law of the land requires you to have an Alcohol License to have a purchase/drink in Dubai. Meanwhile, driving after consuming any amount of alcohol remains illegal as does drinking in public. Dubai has loosened liquor laws to allow tourists to buy alcohol in state-controlled stores, previously only accessible to licence-holding … Alcohol Law in Dubai | UAE Alcohol Law. Local Laws in Dubai Dubai alcohol laws. Penal Code, advertisement laws, taxes and tariffs laws, etc.) Although adult tourists are allowed to drink alcohol on Emirates and Eithad flights, including flights to their airport hubs, it is illegal to drink alcohol or be intoxicated in public, as per rules in Dubai. Dubai Alcohol Laws and Regulations. Dubai alcohol rules: Strict booze laws could be relaxed for tourists DUBAI is known for its strict rules around the purchase and use of alcohol, but … However, the laws also close a long-standing legal conundrum facing imbibing tourists who travel here. 3 of 1987, Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol. The new laws, which also let visitors to skyscraper-studded Dubai obtain liquor permits themselves for the first time, come amid a widening economic downturn affecting this oil-rich nation on the Arabian Peninsula. There are additional penalties involving enactment of derivative measures by the court which may include suspension of driving license for a period of at least three months to maximum of two years. 21. United Arab Emirates relaxes Islamic laws on alcohol and cohabitation, criminalizes 'honor' killings The broadening of personal freedoms reflects … These changes have been made to ensure that the UAE – a country where expats outnumber the local citizens – becomes a better home for over 200 nationalities that live here. As an expat resident, you should have a thorough knowledge of what these laws mean to you, even if just to be on the safe side. "Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. That said, the city it is still a Muslim city that follows the rule of Sharia Law (the religious legal system for the Islamic faith). “What the new law does is create potential revenue through the granting of licenses and further mislead people into thinking that they can buy and consume alcohol without any risks,” said Radha Stirling of the for-hire advocacy group Detained in Dubai. But a person below the age of 21 will face criminal charges for consuming and possessing alcohol. Thanks for contacting us. These limits are applicable irrespective of from where the goods were purchased i.e., they include items purchased at Dubai Duty Free in the arrivals area. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced on Saturday (November 7) several amendments to its Islamic personal laws, now allowing unmarried couples to cohabitate, loosening alcohol restrictions, and imposing harsher punishments for “honor killings.” ALSO READ: How to Behave in the UAE: Social Etiquette Guide The said updates intend to help boost the country’s economic … Photo: AFP. It is illegal to drink in the street or in a public space, or be under the influence of alcohol in a public space. The UAE legal system is largely determined by Sharia law, and Sharia law prohibits alcohol. The law states that a person can buy, consume, and sell alcohol in authorised areas even without a licence. The country’s two major liquor store chains are Maritime and Mercantile International, a subsidiary of the government-owned Emirates airline and African & Eastern. Tourists can buy and drink alcohol in … 49,498, © 2021 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved In Abu Dhabi, the official drinking age is 18, although a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving anyone under 21. Featured News. Want to know if you can drink in Dubai? The UAE has eased these alcohol laws in a bid to promote multiculturalism and tolerance. The … Larry King's magnificent seven — his ex-wives, Dog fight: NYC man chooses jail over giving pup back to his employer, Beloved equestrian 'ousted,' replaced by Alec and Hilaria Baldwin's charity, Trump says 'we'll do something' but 'not just yet' in first post-presidential remark, Kamala Harris moves next door to Joe Biden — see inside her new home. Any sexual relation between non-married couples is also illegal. If you break any of these harsh regulations, you could face serious punishments. Each applicant is also issued with a set of guidelines for responsible drinking in Dubai. Fine for drinking alcohol in Dubai As per UAE Alcohol Law of 1972, if you are caught drinking without an alcohol permit, the punishment includes imprisonment for a six-month period, or a fine of Dh.5000 or both. And population. In 2016, Dubai eased rules prohibiting day-time alcohol sales during the holy month of Ramadan, when observant Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and abstain from anything perceived as sinful behavior. The principle law is Law No. Dubai is renowned for its strict laws around the purchase of alcohol, but it seems that the rules could be set to relax for tourists. In … Alcohol Law in Dubai In Dubai, the laws on alcohol consumption differ from those in other countries. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Dubai again has loosened laws governing alcohol sales and possession of liquor as the sheikhdom tries to claw its way out of an economic depression worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. 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