Alcohol in Dubai is a topic that is surrounded by many myths. So here's a clear guide to alcohol in Dubai, from importation and consumption to typical prices and important laws to know.
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?
First of all, one of the most important questions: Is it allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai? The answer is clearly yes. The UAE is one of the few GCC countries where alcohol consumption is permitted.
Import
In principle, it is also permitted 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 harder drinks such as wine, vodka, champagne and similar.
- Maximum 24 cans per 355ml of beer or cider.
Purchase
The purchase of alcohol in Dubai takes place in so-called liquor stores. One well-known chain is African + Eastern. These stores, which are often not visible from the outside, sell alcohol from all over the world. You can buy there as a tourist using your passport or as a resident using your Emirates ID. However, residents must register once to make a purchase. There are no limits here either, as long as you are not a Muslim.
Consumption
There are no limits to the consumption of alcohol in Dubai. However, you should be aware that certain activities such as driving or similar are severely punished. If you drink and drive (without tolerance as in Austria or Germany), you can expect a fine of several thousand euros.
This is why there is now also the well-established "Driver" app, which can be used to order a driver to take the car and the owner home safely.
Prices
The prices for alcohol are of course higher than in Europe, for example. However, not as much higher as some would expect. If you buy in the dedicated supermarkets, you will only pay a small surcharge and if you are generally smart and buy in duty free at the airport, you will even save money.
However, where you definitely pay a lot more is in clubs, hotels and restaurants. At these locations, you definitely pay a special price for alcoholic drinks of all kinds. It is not uncommon to pay over €20 for a mixed drink or €7-10 for a beer. A bottle of Dom Perignon or similar luxury sparkling wine can easily cost over €1,000.
Frequently asked questions
Here is an overview of the most frequently asked questions and answers about alcohol in Dubai.
Where can you buy alcoholic drinks in Dubai?
Alcohol is available in dedicated stores called liquor stores or at the airport in duty free. Alcohol is also available in many hotels, bars, restaurants and clubs.
Are there penalties for alcohol consumption?
As long as alcohol is not consumed in public places, there are no penalties for consumption. However, if criminal offenses such as car accidents or similar are involved, then the laws are very strict and there are severe penalties.
In general, there is a 0 tolerance for alcohol in cars and motorcycles.
How expensive is alcohol in Dubai?
Prices vary greatly depending on where you buy alcohol. If you go to liquor stores or buy duty free, you pay the least and usually not much more than in Europe. In clubs, restaurants, hotels and bars, however, you pay many times more.
Summary
Alcohol in Dubai is completely legal and also a big part of tourism. The UAE is one of the few countries that makes alcohol very accessible. From importing to consuming to buying, there are no restrictions for non-Muslims. Only certain import limits must be observed.
The prices in certain liquor stores and duty free are comparable to those in European stores. It only gets really expensive in hotels, clubs, bars and certain events. There you pay many times more than in Europe.
