Lena Savoie
Alcohol laws in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be confusing because the requirements vary across different emirates. This paragraph will introduce the topic of alcohol licensing in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, and summarise the key points that anyone considering drinking alcohol in the emirate should know.
To drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi, you must be at least 21 years old and a non-Muslim. While some sources suggest that a license is required to consume alcohol, others state that licenses are not necessary for tourists and residents who want to buy and drink alcohol for personal consumption. However, licenses are mandatory for those who want to sell alcohol, and there are different types of licenses depending on whether it is for an individual or a business.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Licence needed to consume alcohol in Abu Dhabi | No, as long as you are a non-Muslim expat over the age of 21. |
| Licence needed to buy alcohol in Abu Dhabi | No, as long as you are a non-Muslim expat over the age of 21. |
| Licence needed to sell alcohol in Abu Dhabi | Yes, you need a trade licence. |
| Licence needed to serve alcohol in a bar or restaurant in Abu Dhabi | Yes, you need a corporate licence. |
| Licence needed to transport alcohol in Abu Dhabi | Yes, as per a source from 2022. However, it is not mentioned in the more recent sources. |
| Licence needed to store alcohol in Abu Dhabi | Yes, as per a source from 2022. However, it is not mentioned in the more recent sources. |
| Licence needed to consume alcohol in a restaurant or bar in Abu Dhabi | Technically yes, according to a source about Dubai. However, it is not mentioned in the sources specific to Abu Dhabi. |
| Licence needed to consume alcohol in a private place in Abu Dhabi | Yes, according to some sources. However, others state that you only need to be over the age of 21. |
| Licence needed to consume alcohol in a public place in Abu Dhabi | Yes, according to some sources. However, others state that you only need to be over the age of 21 and consume it in a licensed public place. |
| Documents required for a liquor licence in Abu Dhabi | Passport, salary certificate, and Emirate ID. |
| Cost of a liquor licence in Abu Dhabi | Not mentioned in the sources. |
| Where to buy alcohol in Abu Dhabi | Spinneys, Windmill Cellar, Eurostar Cellars, African+Eastern (A+E), Abu Dhabi International Airport Duty-Free, MMI, High Spirits Cellar, and Gary Mackenzie & Partners. |
| Where to consume alcohol in Abu Dhabi | Licensed entertainment and F&B establishments. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol licences are not required for personal consumption
Alcohol laws in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) vary depending on the emirate. In Abu Dhabi, since 2020, alcohol licences are no longer mandatory for personal purchases of liquor. This means that residents and tourists over the age of 21 are allowed to purchase alcohol for personal consumption without a licence. The minimum age to buy and consume alcohol in the UAE is 21 years old, and individuals must be non-Muslim.
While a licence is not required to purchase alcohol in Abu Dhabi, there are still some criteria and rules to follow. For example, alcohol must be purchased from licensed retail shops or authorised premises, such as bars, clubs, hotels, and restaurants. Additionally, there is a 30% tax on the purchase of alcohol in Abu Dhabi. It is also important to note that buying alcohol for the purpose of reselling is prohibited.
If you are travelling to Abu Dhabi, you are allowed to bring a limited quantity of alcohol with you. Each traveller can bring up to four litres of alcohol or one carton/24 cans of beer. However, it is important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations regarding the production, packaging, transport, and storage of alcohol in Abu Dhabi. These rules ensure that alcoholic beverages meet certain quality and safety standards.
While a licence is not required for personal consumption in Abu Dhabi, different rules may apply in other emirates within the UAE. For example, in Dubai, an alcohol licence is required to purchase alcohol from licensed retail stores, but not when buying alcoholic beverages in restaurants, clubs, bars, or hotels. In Sharjah, the sale and consumption of alcohol in public spaces are prohibited. Therefore, it is always important to check the local laws and regulations of the specific emirate you are visiting or residing in.
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Drinking in public is prohibited
Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited in the UAE, except at authorised restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotel establishments. Since 2020, alcohol licences are no longer mandatory in Abu Dhabi for personal purchases of liquor. However, you do need a licence if you want to buy alcohol and consume it in a private place, like your home. The application process is easy and free, with online and offline options.
To get a liquor licence in Abu Dhabi, you must be at least 21 years old and have a monthly income of AED 3000. You will need to create an account on the website of the Special Licence Office, provide your passport number, monthly income, designated store and contact details, and upload your passport, salary certificate and Emirates ID. Once you have uploaded the documents, you can proceed with the payment. Tourists are immediately issued a temporary licence, which is valid for 30 days, after which you will need to reapply.
It is important to note that the UAE has strict laws regarding alcohol, and violators can suffer penalties and visa cancellations. For example, selling liquor and alcoholic beverages without a licence is subject to a fine of Dh100,000 for the first offence and Dh200,000 for the second offence. At the third violation, the establishment will be closed.
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Drinking age limit is 21
In Abu Dhabi, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. This means that you must be 21 or over to purchase alcohol and be served in bars or restaurants. However, it is important to note that the minimum age for consuming alcohol in private settings is 18 years old.
If you are a tourist or a resident in Abu Dhabi and want to drink alcohol, you can easily find it in licensed entertainment venues, F&B establishments, or at dedicated alcohol stores. Abu Dhabi has a thriving nightlife scene and caters to a large non-Muslim population and tourists.
To purchase alcohol from stores, you will need to be at least 21 years old and hold a liquor license. The process of obtaining a liquor license involves creating an account on the website of the Special License's Office, providing personal and income details, and uploading relevant documents such as your passport, salary certificate, and Emirates ID. The license is free of charge and is issued within two to four weeks for residents, valid for 12 months. Tourists are issued a temporary license immediately, valid for 30 days.
It is important to note that the laws and customs surrounding alcohol consumption in Abu Dhabi should be respected. Abu Dhabi has a zero-tolerance policy for driving while intoxicated, and individuals are responsible for abiding by the local laws and behaving appropriately. Additionally, a 30% tax is applicable on the purchase of alcohol in Abu Dhabi.
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Liquor licences are required to sell alcohol
Since 2020, Abu Dhabi has not required liquor licences for personal purchases of alcohol. However, there are strict rules surrounding the sale and distribution of alcohol. For example, selling liquor without a licence can result in a fine of up to Dh200,000, and the establishment being closed down.
To obtain a liquor licence in Abu Dhabi, individuals must be over 21 years old, and have a monthly income of AED 3000. They must also be UAE residents, and non-Muslim. The process involves creating an account on the Special Licence Office website, and providing a passport number, salary certificate, and Emirates ID.
Tourists are not required to obtain a licence to purchase alcohol, but they are subject to other rules. For example, they can bring a limited amount of alcohol into the country, and they can purchase alcohol from licensed establishments without a licence.
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Strict rules for alcohol production, packaging, transport and storage
Since 15 September 2020, an alcohol licence is no longer required for consumers in Abu Dhabi. Non-Muslims can drink alcohol at designated places and in their hotel rooms. Alcohol is generally available in hotels, bars, and restaurants attached to hotels.
Strict rules for alcohol production, packaging, transport, and storage
The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism has announced new specifications for the sale and distribution of alcohol, which must be met within six months. These specifications aim to ensure that all types of alcoholic beverages meet certain requirements, such as being free of pathogenic microorganisms and toxic alcohols.
The rules for wine and beer are also strict. Wine should be free from vinegar smell and taste, and the maximum concentration of total sulfur dioxide should not exceed 400 mg/l. Beer should be free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colorants, except for caramel. The concentration of diacetyl should not exceed 0.2 mg/L.
When it comes to the production, packaging, transport, and storage of alcohol, the following rules must be followed:
- The product must be produced as per the UAE/GSO 1694: General Principles of Food Hygiene.
- The packaging materials used must conform to the relevant UAE specifications.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a licence to drink alcohol in a bar in Abu Dhabi. However, you must be over 21 years old and a non-Muslim expat.
No, you do not need a licence to buy alcohol in Abu Dhabi. However, you must be over 21 years old and a non-Muslim expat. You can buy alcohol from licensed retail stores, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels.
No, you do not need a licence to drink alcohol in your home in Abu Dhabi. However, you must be over 21 years old and a non-Muslim expat.
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