List of Licensed Alcohol Stores in the UAE: Where to Buy Liquor
Looking to purchase liquor in the UAE? Here's a handy list of alcohol stores you can visit to stock up your home bar
26 July 2023
Your guide to the UAE's liquor stores.
Whether you're looking for a bottle to take to a friend's or to stock up at home for your next dinner party, you'll get much more out of a trip to one of the alcohol shops in Dubai and the UAE with their carefully curated selections and knowledgeable staff.
There are only a select few regulated liquor stores in the UAE where you can legally purchase alcoholic drinks.
Who is allowed to purchase alcohol in the UAE?
All liquor store shoppers must be a non-Muslim UAE resident or tourist/visitor, at least 21 years old, and depending on the emirate you may be required to present a valid alcohol license.
We've gathered a complete list of alcohol shops in the UAE - simply pop in, browse what's on offer, head to check out, and present your alcohol ID.
Where to buy alcohol in Dubai?
Looking for the nearest alcohol shop in Dubai? You can purchase liquor at any Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) and African + Eastern stores, at Cellar Saver, or The Cellar Door.
1.) African + Eastern in Dubai
If you're in the market for an affordable bottle of liquor, African + Eastern's branches across Dubai offers a wide variety of alcohol brands from around the world.
You can apply for your Dubai alcohol licence at any of their branches. Tourists will need to present their passport.
2.) MMI in Dubai
MMI also has multiple branches in Dubai, offering a huge selection of liquor labels, beers, spirits, etc. for shoppers.
UAE residents can also apply for your Dubai alcohol licence at any MMI shop in the emirate, and temporary visitors in the country must show their passport.
3.) Cellar Saver in Dubai
If you live closer to Karama, the Cellar Saver liquor store located near Lulu Hypermarket is another option on where to buy alcohol in Dubai.
4.) The Cellar Door in Dubai
The Nakheel Mall in Palm Jumeirah has a dedicated alcohol store located in Depachika Food Hall - the Cellar Door - that sells premium bottles of wine. This shop also provides a wine tasting room.
5.) Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Travellers can enjoy duty-free shopping at Dubai International Airport, including alcohol such as wines, spirits, and more.
Where to buy alcohol in Abu Dhabi
For UAE residents and visitors/tourists staying in the country's capital, you can shop at any of these regulated alcohol shops in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
1.) African + Eastern in Abu Dhabi
African + Eastern has several branches in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain where you can browse and shop a range of affordable alcohol brands, including spirits, beer, and wine.
2.) Gray, Mackenzie and Partners
This Abu Dhabi liquor store lets you choose from a long list of spirits, wines, liquor, etc.
3.) Windmill Cellar in Abu Dhabi
Windmill Cellar is another liquor shop in the UAE that is usually stocked with excellent choices, from wines and beers to spirits and mixers. This shop has four branches in the capital.
4.) Euro Star Cellars in Abu Dhabi
Euro Star Cellars have several outlets located in the city at your convenience, but if you're looking for more options, their biggest branch can be found in Ghantoot near Dubai's outskirts. Their Abu Dhabi liquor stores offer a wide selection of alcohol including beers, fine wines, spirits, and more.
5.) Spinneys
Not only can you shop your daily groceries at a Spinneys in Abu Dhabi, but this popular supermarket chain also stocks alcohol beverages. You can shop at various Spinneys locations in Abu Dhabi, or purchase online.
6.) MMI in Abu Dhabi
MMI also has branches across the UAE capital, and stands as one of the go-to's for residents looking to buy liquor in Abu Dhabi.
7. Al Reem in Abu Dhabi
This area in Abu Dhabi has plenty of alcohol stores to visit, including High Spirits, The Bottle Store, GMP Alcohol and Liquor Store, etc.
8.) Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Whether you're flying into or out of the UAE, the Abu Dhabi International Airport offers duty-free shopping for passengers on a wide selection of goods including alcohol and some limited-edition products.
Other alcohol stores in the UAE
If you don't live in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can still find other licensed stores selling liquor in the UAE. Check them out below!
- Centaurus International: Centaurus International is a Ras Al Khaimah-based alcohol shop in the UAE. You can either head to their RAK warehouse and shop in person, or visit their online store for pick-up.
- African + Eastern: African + Eastern has other stores located in Ras al Khaimah, Al Ain, and Ajman.
- Al Hamra Cellar
- The Cellars RAK
- Super Cellar
- Spinney's in Al Ain
- Oscars Grand Cellar
- Unisat Liquor Store
Important rules to remember when buying or consuming alcohol in the UAE
Note that while the UAE has made it easier to purchase liquor by removing the 30% alcohol tax and making alcohol licenses free, there are still some rules that expat residents and foreign visitors must adhere to.
Drinking alcohol in public places is forbidden in the UAE. Liquor must only be consumed in private places such as homes and designated places in restaurants, bars, and hotels. Anyone caught drinking alcohol or are caught drunk in public places will be subject to penalties of up to 6 months in jail or a fine of AED 5,000 or both (according to the UAE Alcohol Law of 1972).
You do not need an alcohol license to purchase and drink alcohol at restaurants, bars, and hotels. Staff may request proof of customer age with a valid ID.
However, you do require an alcohol license to buy alcohol at liquor stores in the UAE.
SEE ALSO: How to Apply for a Free Alcohol License in the UAE
The UAE also has a zero-tolerance law on drunk driving. Motorists who are caught driving under the influence will be subject to a hefty fine of up to AED 20,000 or jail term or both. The court may also decide to slap on additional punishments including vehicle confiscation and black points.
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