Alcohol is a subject surrounded by many myths in Dubai. Therefore, here's a clear guide on alcohol, from import and consumption to typical prices and important laws you should be aware of.
Is it permissible to drink alcohol in Dubai?
One of the most important questions upfront: Is it permissible to drink alcohol in Dubai? The answer is quite clear: yes. The UAE is among the few GCC states where one is allowed to consume alcohol.
Import
In principle, you are allowed to import alcohol into the UAE or Dubai. However, this is exclusively reserved for non-Muslims and the following import limits apply:
- Maximum 4l for stronger drinks like wine, vodka, champagne, and similar.
- Maximum 24 cans of 355ml beer or cider.
Purchase
The purchase of alcohol in Dubai takes place in so-called Liquor Stores. A well-known chain includes African + Eastern, among others. These shops, often not visible from the outside, offer alcohol from all over the world. Tourists can purchase alcohol here using their passport, or residents can buy it with their Emirates ID. However, residents must register once to make a purchase. There are no limits here either, as long as one is not a Muslim.
Consumption
Regarding the consumption of alcohol on-site in Dubai, there are no limits. However, one should be aware that certain activities such as driving a car or similar are severely punished. For drunk driving (with no tolerance like in Austria or Germany), one must expect fines of several thousand Euros.
This is why there is now also the well-established app “Driver”, through which you can order a driver to safely take the car and its owner home.
Prices
The prices for alcohol are, of course, higher than in Europe, for example. However, not as much higher as some might expect. Those who shop in dedicated supermarkets will only pay a small surcharge, and those who are generally savvy and buy at the airport duty-free will even save money.
However, where you definitely pay a multiple is in clubs, hotels, and restaurants. At these locations, you definitely pay a premium price for alcoholic beverages of all kinds. It's not uncommon to pay over €20 for a cocktail or €7-10 for a beer. A bottle of Dom Pérignon or similar luxury sparkling wine will then easily set you back over €1,000.
FAQ
Here's an overview of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding alcohol in Dubai.
Alkoholische Getränke können in Dubai in lizenzierten Geschäften, Hotels und Restaurants erworben werden.
Alcohol is available in dedicated shops, so-called liquor stores, or at the airport in duty-free. Otherwise, you can also get alcohol in many hotels, bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Are there penalties for drinking alcohol?
As long as alcohol is not consumed in public places, there are no penalties for consumption. However, if criminal offences such as car accidents or similar are linked, then the laws are very strict and heavy penalties are threatened.
In general, there is zero tolerance for alcohol when driving a car or riding a motorbike.
How much is alcohol in Dubai?
Prices vary significantly depending on where you buy alcohol. Those who go to liquor stores or shop at duty-free pay the least, and often not much more than in Europe. However, in clubs, restaurants, hotels, and bars, you pay many times more.
Summary
Alcohol in Dubai is perfectly legal and also a significant component of tourism. The UAE is one of the few countries that makes alcohol very accessible. From importing to consuming to purchasing, there are no restrictions for non-Muslims. Only certain import limits need to be observed.
Prices in certain off-licences and duty-free shops are comparable to those in European shops. It only gets really expensive in hotels, clubs, bars and at certain events. There you pay several times the price compared to Europe.
