Lena Savoie
Dubai is a Muslim city that follows Sharia Law, which prohibits the consumption of alcohol by followers of Islam. Despite this, Dubai tolerates alcohol consumption by non-Muslims, although it imposes strict rules. Drinking in public places, including beaches, is unacceptable and punishable by law. Dubai is incredibly strict about public drunkenness, with punishments of up to six months in prison and a fine of 100,000 AED. There is also a zero-tolerance approach to drink-driving, with punishments including custodial sentences, large fines, and licence revocation. Tourists and residents are allowed to buy alcohol from designated retailers and consume it in licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking in public places | Illegal |
| Drinking in licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars | Allowed |
| Drinking age | 21 |
| Drink driving | Illegal |
| Public drunkenness | Illegal |
| Carrying alcohol in Dubai | Allowed, with a valid ID |
| Buying alcohol | Allowed in licensed premises, such as shops, or from Duty-Free |
| Alcohol limit for tourists | 4 litres of alcohol (spirits and wines) or 2 cases of beer |
| Alcohol consumption by Muslims | Not allowed |
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What You'll Learn
Drinking in public places is illegal
The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21 years old, and it is illegal to offer alcohol to anyone under this age, even in private homes and hotel rooms. Residents of Dubai require a license to buy alcohol, which can be obtained by presenting an Emirates ID or passport at an authorized retailer. Tourists can purchase alcohol at Duty-Free in the airport without a license and consume it in their hotel rooms. However, it is important to note that drinking and driving is strictly prohibited in Dubai, with harsh punishments for those who violate this law.
Dubai, being a Muslim city, follows the rules of Sharia Law, which prohibits the consumption of alcohol by followers of the Islamic faith. While Dubai tolerates alcohol consumption by non-Muslims, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and values. Residents and tourists must purchase alcohol from licensed premises or authorized retailers and consume it responsibly within the privacy of their accommodation or licensed venues.
It is worth noting that some emirates within the UAE, such as Sharjah, are "dry" and do not allow the purchase or consumption of alcohol. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the specific laws and cultural sensitivities surrounding alcohol consumption in each emirate when visiting or residing in Dubai and the UAE.
While Dubai has relaxed some of its alcohol laws in recent years, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest regulations and respect the local culture and legal system when consuming alcohol in the emirate.
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Drinking and driving is illegal
Dubai has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards driving under the influence of alcohol. Any detectable amount of alcohol in the bloodstream is considered an offence. Unlike some countries with a specific Blood Alcohol Concentration ("BAC") limit, Dubai prohibits any level of alcohol in the blood.
Dubai has some of the strictest drunk-driving laws in the world. The penalty for drinking and driving can include jail time, fines, deportation, loss of professional license, and licence suspension. Repeat offenders face more severe consequences. In 2022, a drunk driver was jailed after running a red light and driving the wrong way. In 2024, a drunk driver was sentenced to two years in jail and fined AED 100,000 for a drug DUI. In 2025, a drunk driver was fined AED 25,000 plus suspension for an alcohol-related crash. These examples reinforce that UAE drink-driving laws are strict and consistently enforced.
The legal system in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, is based on Sharia law and statutes. It is important to note that laws can change, and it is advisable to consult the most recent and authoritative legal sources for the latest information.
Dubai authorities rarely conduct random sobriety checks, especially during weekends and public events. However, drivers could, in principle, be stopped at checkpoints, and breathalyzer tests may be administered. If you intend to drink, it is best to plan your ride in advance.
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Drunk behaviour in public is punishable
Dubai's alcohol laws are structured to maintain respect for its diverse population and cultural values. The city is a hub of tourism for the United Arab Emirates and has a large population of expatriates. Drinking is allowed for non-Muslims, but the city is still a Muslim city that follows Sharia Law. Consequently, those consuming alcohol must be respectful of the local culture.
Being drunk in public is punishable by law in Dubai. According to the new Penal Code, you may be jailed for up to six months and fined AED 100,000 for public intoxication. This is because Dubai has a zero-tolerance approach to public drunkenness. While you may see others enjoying a few drinks at licensed venues, there is a line that should not be crossed. Dubai is not a place for drunken behaviour, and it is best to be on your best behaviour.
Behaviour that may be associated with being intoxicated, such as making rude gestures, swearing, and public displays of affection, will be punished if caught. Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy towards underage drinking, public drunkenness, and drink driving. If you are drinking, it is sensible to know your limits and not go beyond them. If you are enjoying a night out, it is advisable to take a taxi or Uber to your next destination to avoid being on the street.
To purchase alcohol at a store in Dubai, both residents and tourists require a licence. However, there is a loophole: visitors can purchase alcohol at Duty-Free in the airport and bring it back to their hotel. Licences are now free and easy to obtain, and tourist licences are valid for 30 days. Alcohol can only be sold by two official distributors in Dubai: African & Eastern (A & E) or Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI).
It is important to remember that drinking alcohol in public places such as beaches, parks, or streets is illegal. Alcohol must only be consumed in the privacy of your home, hotel, or licensed venue. If you are drinking in a licensed venue, it is best to stay within the premises and not take your drink outside.
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Underage drinking is illegal
Dubai's alcohol laws are structured to maintain respect for its diverse population and cultural values. While drinking alcohol is legal in Dubai, underage drinking is strictly prohibited and enforced. The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21 years old, and anyone offering alcohol to those under 21 will face legal consequences. This includes both residents and tourists, and applies to private homes and hotel rooms. To purchase alcohol, individuals must present a valid form of identification proving they are 21 or older.
Underage drinking in Dubai can result in imprisonment and a fine of up to 100,000 AED. The laws apply to both residents and tourists, and it is important to always carry valid identification. Dubai has a zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking, and it is essential to follow the specific laws that govern alcohol consumption in the emirate.
Dubai has two licensed liquor store chains, African + Eastern and MMI, which exclusively sell alcoholic beverages to those over the legal drinking age. These stores cater to both residents and tourists, with tourists permitted to purchase alcohol since 2019. Additionally, tourists can drink alcohol in licensed venues such as bars, clubs, and restaurants without needing an alcohol license. However, it is important to note that drinking in public is illegal in Dubai, and individuals must consume alcohol only in designated places.
Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and it is illegal to drink and drive or be drunk in public. The laws in Dubai are structured to maintain a safe and secure environment while respecting the diverse cultural values of its population. It is important for individuals to be respectful of the local culture and follow the legal drinking age to avoid any legal consequences.
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Where to buy alcohol in Dubai
Drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam, which is the religion that underpins the values of the United Arab Emirates. Consequently, those consuming alcohol in Dubai must be respectful of the local culture. While drinking alcohol is not a generally accepted cultural norm in Dubai, it is possible to buy and consume alcohol while following the specific laws that govern alcohol consumption in the emirate.
In Dubai, alcohol can only be sold by the two official distributors: African & Eastern (A & E) and Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI). There are stores all over the city in most neighbourhoods, including 24 MMI stores. These stores will take care of the administration for you when purchasing alcohol.
To buy alcohol from these official distributors, residents of Dubai need a licence. However, it is now incredibly easy to obtain one. You can head to an MMI or African & Eastern store with your Emirates ID (if you are a resident) or your passport (if you are a visitor). Licences are now free and are linked to your ID or passport for 12 months for residents and 30 days for tourists.
Tourists in Dubai can legally buy alcohol in licensed establishments and consume it in private places such as a hotel room or private apartment. Drinking alcohol in public places such as parks, beaches, or on the street is illegal. Being publicly drunk can also lead to punishments, including up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 AED.
Upon arrival at Dubai Duty-Free in the baggage halls of DXB, passengers aged 21 and above are permitted to buy 4 litres of alcohol (spirits and wines) or 2 cases of beer. Alcohol delivery is only allowed from authorised sellers such as MMI and A & E.
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Frequently asked questions
Carrying alcohol in Dubai is legal, but only in certain circumstances. If you are 21 or over, you can carry up to 4 litres of alcohol when you arrive at Dubai Duty-Free. This alcohol must be consumed in private, such as in your home or holiday accommodation.
Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars attached to licensed hotels. You can also drink alcohol in your home, but it must be purchased from a licensed store.
Dubai has strict rules about drinking in public spaces. Being publicly drunk is illegal and can lead to punishments such as a fine of up to 100,000 AED and up to 6 months in prison. There is also a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.
