Alcohol Laws in the UAE Explained: What Is and Isn't Allowed
From the minimum age limit to buying and drinking alcohol in the UAE to the different alcohol laws by emirate...
26 June 2024
Here's everything you need to know, so you can enjoy your drinks legally.
As foreign expatriates or visitors in the UAE, it is important to be mindful of the emirates' predominantly Muslim culture and its Sharia law.
If you plan to buy, possess, or drink alcoholic beverages in the UAE, it's imperative to be aware of the country's rules. The local liquor law and norms also change depending on the emirate you are in, as Dubai's legal approach to alcohol can differ from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah's.
Is alcohol allowed in the UAE?
Yes, alcohol is allowed in the UAE but must be purchased at licensed retail shops or from authorised premises (bars, clubs, hotel establishments, and restaurants). You can also possess and enjoy alcohol within the privacy of your own home or hotel room.
To legally buy or drink alcohol in the UAE, the individual must be at least 21 years old and non-Muslim. In some emirates, shops and dining establishments may ask you to present a valid alcohol license.
What is the minimum age limit to drink alcohol in UAE?
Regardless of which emirate you are in, the minimum age limit for buying or consuming alcoholic drinks in the UAE is 21 years old.
Alcohol licenses in the UAE, explained
An alcohol license is an ID that permits the owner to drink alcoholic beverages at UAE hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as to legally purchase alcohol at licensed retail stores.
Some emirates' local alcohol laws are relaxed and don't require a customer to present his or her alcohol license to purchase and possess alcoholic drinks, while in other emirates it's a legal requirement.
Do you need an alcohol license in the UAE?
An alcohol license is not needed when drinking within private residences, but the permit is required in some parts of the UAE so you can legally buy and consume alcohol. We've listed these below by emirate:
- Abu Dhabi - Since 2020, alcohol licenses are no longer mandatory in the UAE for personal purchases of liquor. Buying alcohol for the purpose of reselling is prohibited.
- Dubai - An alcohol license is required to purchase alcohol from licensed retail stores, but not for buying alcoholic beverages in restaurants, clubs, bars, and hotels.
- Sharjah - Sharjah is a dry emirate, where the sale and/or consumption of alcohol in public spaces is prohibited.
- Ras Al Khaimah - A valid liquor license is required for buying alcohol from retail shops. It's not required when ordering alcoholic drinks at dining establishments.
- Umm Al Quwain - A license isn't required for buying alcohol at authorised premises and shops, but not for purchasing alcoholic drinks at hotels, bars, and restaurants.
- Fujairah - Liquor license isn't required, but buyers may be asked to present ID or passport as proof they are above the UAE's minimum age limit.
- Ajman - An alcohol license isn't required, but customers might have to present proof that he or she is at least 21 years old.
How to get an alcohol license in the UAE?
How to get an alcohol license in Dubai?
If you are in Dubai, you can head to any African + Eastern store or MMI outlet to sign up for a free alcohol license. You'll simply need to present your UAE Emirates ID and provide some residency details.
Previously, alcohol licenses in Dubai required a fee but it is now free of charge and can be applied for within minutes.
How to get an alcohol license in Abu Dhabi?
Individuals cannot apply for an alcohol permit in the capital as the Abu Dhabi government ended its requirement for liquor licenses back in 2020. UAE residents and tourists above the age of 21 are allowed to purchase alcohol for personal consumption from retail stores, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels without an alcohol license.
Other emirates such as Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain have more relaxed laws when it comes to buying alcohol, as customers may only be asked to present a valid piece of identification confirming they're at least 21 years old (Emirates ID, passport, etc.)
What about Sharjah?
As it is a dry emirate, individuals cannot apply for an alcohol license in Sharjah. It is illegal to sell or buy alcohol in Sharjah, however non-Muslim residents are permitted to consume liquor privately in their homes.
Can you drink alcohol in public in the UAE?
Drinking alcohol in public is not permitted in the UAE, except at authorised restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotel establishments.
Individuals are allowed to possess liquor for personal use, and drink alcohol while inside private residences/property.
Penalties for violating the UAE's laws
Underaged drinking or Minors in possession of alcohol
It is illegal for anyone below 21 years old to buy, possess, or drink liquor in the UAE. Individuals caught breaking the law could face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to AED 5,000, and/or community service.
Encouraging anyone below 21 years old to drink liquor
Anyone caught inciting those below the age of 21 to drink alcohol, or adults who buy liquor to give it to a minor, could face jail time for up to one year.
Drunk driving
Drunk driving is a punishable offense in the UAE as per Article No. 49 of the Traffic Law. Anyone caught drinking and driving could face at least an AED 25,000 fine, risk of getting their UAE driving license suspended, and even jail time.
Public intoxication in the UAE
The UAE has zero tolerance for individuals drinking alcohol in public and causing public unrest while in a state of intoxication. Anyone creating a public disturbance while drunk could face a fine between AED 1,000 to AED 5,000 or imprisonment.