Dubai Alcohol Laws & Regulations
Are you planning to visit Dubai and wondering about the drinking age and local laws? Well, we have simplified things for you. Let’s take a look!
What is the legal age for drinking in Dubai?
The Dubai law is pretty strict regarding alcohol, and there are stringent punishments with an effective fine for breaking it. The legal age for drinking in Dubai is allotted at 21 years, while the legal age for drinking in Abu Dhabi is 18 years. There are various rules and regulations regarding alcohol and its consumption, along with trade laws, duty-free shopping, fines, and the purchase of alcohol in Dubai. Jail terms are often imparted if violators are found guilty over the same.
Do we need a liquor license to drink in Dubai?
For non-Muslims, can get a liquor license to drink across a licensed establishment or at home. To drink across the licensed venues in the UAE, you need to obtain a permit from the officials here. These licenses available to non-Muslims are valid in the Emirates as issued by the officials.
Various venues serve alcoholic drinks and beverages in the UAE, but it is advised not to be under the influence of it in public. If caught in public, a jail term with hefty fines can be imposed on the violator. Even when an airport transits, passengers are advised to stay away from drinking to avoid any unnecessary harassment in the UAE. Non-Muslims should also not drink alcohol during the Holy Ramadan month in the UAE.
What are the laws regarding alcohol consumption during driving in the UAE?
Drunk driving is not tolerated across Dubai and is a crime in the whole of UAE. People found under the influence of alcohol and driving cars shall be imposed a fine of 20,000 dirhams along with a jail term if needed. Some drivers may also get their license suspended for 3 months, not exceeding 6 months in total. The court would also stamp in 23 black points with the vehicle being impounded for 60 days.
Can an employee drink alcohol in a UAE office?
Employees may face various legal terms and harassment when caught drinking alcohol in the office and during office hours. Serious cases involve the employee being fired from the company with the cancellation of their worker’s license if needed.
Are there any laws regarding the trade or transportation of alcohol in the UAE?
There are serious laws and regulations for transporting alcohol in the UAE. Non-Muslims may use their license to fetch the proper amount of alcohol from the licensed stores to their home. Bringing more than the limit allotted for citizens can impose hefty fines and jail terms for the causes. Violators caught in such cases are sent to the court along with the vehicle and the alcohol getting confiscated at the venue. Even though it is illegal to use metros and public buses for the transportation of alcohol in the UAE!
What are the duty-free shopping laws in the UAE regarding alcohol?
There are various duty-free alcohol shopping laws in the UAE and are available at the airport section before the baggage reclaim. Tourists have allotted purchases on duty-free alcohol shopping in Dubai, which includes 2 cartons of beer, 2 liters of wine, or 2 liters of alcohol. For making an alcohol purchase across the duty-free shops in the UAE, the person should be over 18 years of age. Alcohol may be available at some supermarkets but is mostly found across luxury hotels, restaurants, resorts, nightclubs, pubs, bars, and lounges in the UAE.