To buy alcohol in Dubai, both the tourist and the resident must have a licensed. Though, there are loopholes to obtaining the licences. You can buy the alcohol from the dubai duty free liquor prices at the airport and bring to your hotel but if you must obtain the licence,.
There is this misconception that no one is permitted to drink alcohol in Dubai. And that if you do, there are strict repercussions. This is not the case. Dubai is a city of tourism for united Arab emirate because of this and the large population of ex-pats that lives in Dubai, drinking is restricted only for Muslim which means that non-Muslims are allowed to drink. Dubai is a Muslim city that follows sharia rule as a result of this, they impose rules on alcoholic consumption.
As a tourist in Dubai, below are things to take note of alcoholic consumption in Dubai:
- As a tourist, you are permitted to buy alcohol in a licensed hotel restaurant and bars. It is unacceptable and there is a punishable offence to buy or drink alcohol in a public place. Dubai does not also tolerant driving and drinking and they are strict very about drinking publicly.
- To buy alcohol in Dubai, both the tourist and the resident must have a licensed. Though, there are loopholes to obtaining the licences. You can buy the alcohol from the dubai duty free liquor prices at the airport and bring to your hotel but if you must obtain the licence, you must be above 21 years and earn a minimum of 3000 AED per month.
- In Dubai, you will not notice police officers in public places but they are around dressed as civilians. You are advised not to get drunk in public places because if you are caught, you will be sentenced to six months in jail with a hefty fine.
Alcohol in Dubai:
Dubai understands that its visitor and non-Muslims in Dubai want alcoholic drinks. That is why Cocktail programs, beer and wine is exceptional in the five-star hotel. These hotels bring in the best sommeliers, champagnes and even bartenders.
Judging from the criminal law in Dubai, taking alcohol without a valid permit is illegal. Then, according to the law of alcoholic beverage control that was issued in 1972, it is illegal to manufacture, import, export, acquire, supply, drink, offer or sell alcohol in Dubai drink or wine in Dubai to the person that doesn't have an alcoholic liquor license uae that is issued by the licencing authority.
Buying Alcoholic Drinks:
So anyone that is found selling, acquiring or buying alcoholic drink or wine in Dubai without a valid alcoholic licence will be punished under the law of alcoholic beverage control. This applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims but as for non-Muslims or tourists in Dubai, if you must drink alcohol in Dubai, it must be in a licensed bar restaurant or hotel.
There is a new law on alcohol which allows the tourist to obtain one for free on Eastern, African or MMI store after they have shown their passport and have signed a pledge proving they are non-Muslims and that they will follow the law. Drinking publicly and driving after consuming alcohol remains illegal.
For ex-pat residents and tourist visiting united Arab emirate, it is very important to note the laws regarding buying and consuming alcohol in Dubai to avoid being jailed and fined. Take note that as a tourist or ex-pat residents, drinking alcohol in public places is illegal and highly prohibited. You are only expected to drink from a licensed bar, restaurant or hotel. You must not drive under the influence of alcohol and also must not be intoxicated. Lastly, take note that you must not consume alcohol at work. Consuming alcohol at work is a serious offence. So all tourist and ex-pat residents in Dubai should be conscious of the above laws to live a safe and secured life in Dubai that is void of embarrassment.
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