Are you allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai? Dubai is known for its modern appearance, but also for its respect for Islamic culture and laws. Muslims are not allowed to drink alcohol, so you might expect it to be forbidden in a strict Islamic country.
Alcohol consumption is not prohibited in Dubai, but it is subject to very strict rules. In this article, we explain everything you need to know as a foreigner about drinking alcohol in Dubai, whether you’re a tourist, expat, or future emigrant.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Dubai?
Can You Drink Alcohol in Dubai? Yes, you can drink alcohol in Dubai, as long as you follow the rules. Dubai is one of the few Emirates where non-Muslims can legally drink alcohol under certain circumstances.
Where Can You Drink in Dubai?
Although Dubai strictly monitors the use of alcohol, there are legal opportunities for non-Muslims to consume alcohol. It’s important to know where and under what conditions this is allowed. Here’s where you can drink alcohol in Dubai:
- In licensed hotels, bars, clubs, and restaurants: Only establishments with an official alcohol license are allowed to serve alcohol. These are mainly found in international hotels and entertainment venues.
- In your own home: Expats can apply for a personal alcohol license, which allows them to purchase and consume alcohol at home. Without this permit, drinking at home is, in principle, prohibited.
- At private events or parties: As long as the party takes place on private property and all attendees behave properly, alcohol consumption is generally allowed. However, public nuisance or drunkenness is severely punished – even if it started on private property.
Note: In all cases, public intoxication is prohibited and strictly enforced. Therefore, always be discreet and responsible in your use of alcohol in Dubai. Dubai is not a city where you should drink excessively or misbehave.
Where Are You Absolutely Not Allowed to Drink in Dubai?
Although it is allowed for non-Muslims to drink alcohol in Dubai, the rules surrounding its use are strictly regulated. Drinking alcohol is only permitted in designated places, such as licensed restaurants, bars, or at home (if you have an alcohol permit yourself).
You absolutely must not drink in the following places:
- Public spaces, such as beaches, parks, and on the street
- In your car, even if it’s stationary
- On public transport, such as metros, buses, or taxis
- At or around religious locations, such as mosques
Those who do not adhere to these rules risk serious consequences. Violations can lead to high fines, imprisonment, or even deportation. The authorities in Dubai maintain a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol abuse in public spaces. The punishment you receive does depend on whether you are a local resident or a tourist. Local residents are more likely to receive harsher penalties for such violations.
Age Limit and License
From what age can you buy alcohol in Dubai? The minimum age to buy and drink alcohol in Dubai is 21 years.
Can you buy alcohol in Dubai as a tourist? Yes, as a tourist, you can buy alcohol. You don’t need a license for this. Since 2020, tourists no longer need a separate license to buy alcohol at authorized stores. However, it is recommended to always bring a passport when making a purchase, as this is often required for identification.
Can you buy alcohol in Dubai as an expat? Yes, you can, but you do need a license for this. For expats, it is mandatory to apply for an alcohol license if you want to store or drink alcohol at home.
How Do You Apply for an Alcohol License as an Expat?
As an expat in Dubai, you need an alcohol license. How do you apply for this?
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a valid residence permit (Emirates ID)
- Apply through authorized sellers such as African+Eastern or MMI
- The process has been free since 2023 and can also be done online
Where can you buy alcohol in Dubai?
Contrary to what many people think, alcohol is available for purchase in Dubai — but only in specific, regulated places. Both tourists and expats can legally buy alcohol, provided they adhere to local rules.
You can buy alcohol at the following locations:
- Duty-free shops at Dubai International Airport: Upon arrival, adults (21 years and older) are allowed to purchase a maximum of 4 liters of alcohol per person. This is often the easiest option for tourists on short stays.
- Authorized liquor stores such as MMI (Maritime & Mercantile International) and African+Eastern: These specialist shops are licensed to sell alcohol to non-Muslims. Expats must show a valid alcohol license when purchasing. In some cases, tourists can also make purchases without a license, provided they show a passport.
- Some bars and clubs with their own liquor store: In some cases, bars or nightclubs also sell bottles of liquor for home use, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
Note: supermarkets do not sell alcohol. Here you will only find alcohol-free alternatives, such as 0.0% beer or mocktails. You are also not allowed to buy or possess alcohol if you are Muslim, even if you live in Dubai.
It is important to always transport alcohol discreetly and not carry it visibly in public.
Are you allowed to import alcohol into Dubai?
Are you allowed to import alcohol into Dubai? Yes, but there is a limit. Tourists are allowed to import a maximum of 4 liters of alcohol per person if they are over 21 years old. Keep the alcohol in its original packaging and keep your receipt for customs.
Is alcohol expensive in Dubai?
Is alcohol expensive in Dubai? Yes, alcohol is expensive in Dubai. Dubai is a strict city when it comes to alcohol. Alcohol is allowed because there are so many expats in Dubai (around 90%). The local population is almost entirely Islamic and disapproves of drinking alcohol. That’s why there is also a high tax on alcohol.
The prices of alcohol are therefore quite high in Dubai. The reasons for this are the levies on alcohol:
- Reintroduction of the 30% alcohol tax from January 2025
- High import duties
- High operating costs of hotels and bars
Example prices for alcohol in Dubai
Alcohol in Dubai is not cheap, especially when going out to a bar, club, or hotel. The prices are higher than in many other countries, mainly due to taxes and licensing requirements. Below you’ll find an indication of what you can expect in 2025:
- Beer (0.5 liter) in a bar: AED 50 – AED 65
- Glass of wine (white, red, or rosé): AED 40 – AED 60
- Cocktail (e.g., mojito, margarita): AED 50 – AED 70
These are average prices in establishments with an alcohol license, often located in hotels or luxury clubs. Prices can be even higher in popular or exclusive locations.
Want to save money? Then it’s good to know that alcohol is significantly cheaper at authorized liquor stores, such as MMI or African+Eastern. A bottle of wine or spirits is often much more affordable there than what you pay per glass in a bar or restaurant. Keep in mind that you need a valid alcohol license to buy from these stores (unless you’re a tourist and can prove you’re staying for a short time).
What are the rules during Ramadan and religious holidays?
During Ramadan, stricter rules apply for drinking alcohol:
- During the day, most restaurants and bars do not serve alcohol
- Alcohol is only served after sunset, and often discreetly
- Respect for fasting Muslims is important: do not drink in public
These rules may vary per establishment, so ask in advance at the restaurant or hotel you’re going to.
How severe are the penalties for violations?
The penalties for alcohol-related offenses in Dubai are substantial. The punishments for violating alcohol laws are severe:
- Fines can amount to tens of thousands of dirhams (20,000 – 30,000 AED)
- Visible intoxication in public: fine or imprisonment
- Driving under the influence: zero tolerance, which means:
- Immediate arrest
- Driving ban
- Possible deportation for serious offenses
Dubai takes alcohol safety very seriously. Even a low blood alcohol level while driving can have severe consequences. If you’re going to drive a car in Dubai, it must be 0.
The legal minimum age for drinking alcohol in Dubai is 21 years. Bars, clubs, and shops often ask for valid identification, so always bring an ID or passport.
Yes, alcohol is available in Dubai, but only through licensed liquor stores (such as MMI and African+Eastern), duty-free shops at the airport, and licensed hospitality establishments like hotels, bars, and restaurants.
As a non-Muslim, you are allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai, but only in designated places such as at home (with a license), in hotels, bars, or at private events. Public intoxication is always punishable.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in public spaces such as parks, beaches, on the street, in the car, or on public transport. Violating this can lead to fines or even deportation.
Public intoxication is considered a serious offense in Dubai. You can risk a fine, imprisonment or even deportation, even if you’re only slightly tipsy.
Alcohol is relatively expensive. Expect to pay AED 50-65 for a beer in a bar, AED 40-60 for a glass of wine, and AED 50-70 for a cocktail. In liquor stores, bottles are cheaper than in bars and restaurants.
