Theo Nash
Dubai has specific regulations governing the purchase and consumption of alcohol. To buy alcohol at home in Dubai, you must have a liquor licence. The process of obtaining a liquor licence in Dubai is straightforward and free. Applicants must be over 21 years old, non-Muslim, and hold a valid Emirates ID or passport. To apply, residents can head to Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) or African + Eastern stores across the city with their Emirates ID, while tourists can present their passports. Applicants can also apply online. Once the application is approved, the new alcohol licence card is ready for collection within two to five weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | 21+ |
| Applicant religion | Non-Muslim |
| Required documents | Emirates ID, Passport |
| Application method | In-store, Online |
| Cost | Free |
| Processing time | 2-5 weeks |
| Validity | 1 year |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria for an alcohol license in Dubai
To obtain an alcohol license in Dubai, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, which is also the legal drinking age in Dubai.
Residency: You must be a resident of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, tourists visiting Dubai can purchase alcohol without a license in licensed bars and restaurants. They only need a license to buy alcohol from shops. Tourists can obtain a temporary license by presenting their original passports at any African+ Eastern store or licensed retailer. This license is typically valid for 30 days, with the option to renew.
Documents: Applicants must present a valid Emirates ID at any licensed retailer, such as African+ Eastern or MMI stores. Tourists may be asked to provide additional information, such as their contact details and duration of stay in Dubai.
It is important to note that drinking alcohol in public spaces is strictly prohibited in Dubai, and there is a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.
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Where to apply for an alcohol license in Dubai
To apply for an alcohol license in Dubai, you must be at least 21 years old and a resident of the United Arab Emirates. You must also hold a valid Emirates ID.
There are two main options for where to apply for an alcohol license in Dubai:
- In-store: Visit any Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) or African + Eastern store across Dubai with your original Emirates ID. These are the government-owned liquor retailers in Dubai. You can also apply in-store as a tourist by presenting your original passport with a Dubai entry stamp.
- Online: Visit the official African + Eastern website and click on 'Apply for a license' at the top right corner of the website. Fill out the form with your personal details, including your Emirates ID number. Alternatively, you can apply online via MMI's official website.
Once you have submitted your application, the approval process usually takes a few days. You will then be able to purchase alcohol from MMI or African + Eastern stores or online. Your physical card will be ready for collection within two to five weeks.
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Required documents for an alcohol license in Dubai
To apply for an alcohol license in Dubai, individuals must be non-Muslim and over the age of 21. The process of obtaining an alcohol license has been simplified, and as of January 1, 2023, licenses are free to obtain.
For Residents:
To apply for an alcohol license, residents of Dubai need to present a valid Emirates ID at any African+ Eastern store or MMI store. African+ Eastern is the government-owned liquor retailer in Dubai, with stores located across the city. The only document required to initiate the application is the Emirates ID. The application process takes around four weeks, after which the physical card will be ready for collection.
For Tourists:
Tourists in Dubai do not need a license to consume alcohol in licensed bars and restaurants. However, a license is required if they wish to purchase alcohol in shops. Tourists can apply for an instant 30-day alcohol license by presenting their original passports, with a Dubai entry stamp, at any African+ Eastern store. This option is not available to resident visa holders. With the license, tourists can immediately make purchases, and the card will be valid for alcohol purchases during their stay in Dubai.
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The application process for an alcohol license in Dubai
Firstly, it is important to note that the laws and requirements surrounding alcohol licenses in Dubai frequently change. As of January 1st, 2023, liquor licenses in Dubai are free, whereas previously there was an annual fee. This change was implemented by the Dubai Municipality to boost tourism and attract more expats to the city.
To be eligible for an alcohol license in Dubai, you must be over the age of 21 and a resident of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Additionally, the holder of a liquor license in Dubai must be non-Muslim. Tourists in Dubai do not need a license to consume alcohol in licensed restaurants and pubs but can obtain a temporary alcohol permit if they wish to purchase alcohol during their stay.
To initiate the application process, residents must present a valid Emirates ID at any Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) or African + Eastern store in Dubai. These are the government-owned liquor retailers in the city. Applicants will be asked for some basic details, after which the application will begin processing.
Alternatively, applicants can apply for a license online by visiting the official African + Eastern website and clicking on the 'Apply for a license' tab. Here, they will be required to fill out a form with some personal details, including their Emirates ID number.
Once the application has been submitted, it typically takes a couple of days for approval. Applicants can expect to receive their physical card within two to five weeks. Once the license is approved and the card is collected, residents can use it to purchase alcohol at any MMI or African + Eastern store in the city or online.
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The timeline for receiving an alcohol license in Dubai
For Residents
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old and must present a valid Emirates ID at any African + Eastern or MMI store to initiate the process.
- The application process takes around four weeks. During this time, your application will be reviewed and processed.
- Once your application is approved, you will be notified, and you can collect your physical card from the store. This usually takes around two to five weeks from the submission of your paperwork.
- With your alcohol license, you can now legally purchase alcohol from liquor stores in Dubai. Remember that your license is valid for one year, after which you must renew it to continue purchasing alcoholic beverages legally.
For Tourists
- Tourists can purchase alcohol by presenting their original passports at any African + Eastern or MMI store. Some sources also mention the requirement of a Dubai entry stamp.
- Tourists can obtain an instant 30-day alcohol license, with the option to extend if they prolong their stay.
- With the passport, tourists can immediately make purchases. The physical card is usually ready for collection within approximately two to five weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
You must be over 21 and a non-Muslim resident of the United Arab Emirates with a valid Emirates ID. Tourists need their passports (with a Dubai entry stamp).
You can apply for a license at any African + Eastern store, which is the government-owned liquor retailer in Dubai. You can also apply online with your Emirates ID number.
The approval process takes a couple of days, and you can make purchases from then. The physical card will be ready within 2-5 weeks.
