by Razik Ali
Published Sat, Jan 7th 2017, 12:35 | Food
UAE is a Muslim country that implements the Sharia Law that strictly prohibits drinking alcohol. UAE nationals who are predominantly Muslims are not allowed to drink. Consumption of alcohol is punishable as per Islamic Law and offering or selling alcohol to Muslims is also considered illegal.
However, UAE authorities allow tourists, expatriates, non-Muslims residents to consume alcohol. It is permitted only in certain designated areas like licensed bars and restaurants attached to hotels.
It is punishable to drink in public places and even beaches. UAE is incredibly strict about public drinking and has zero-tolerance towards drunken driving. It is an offense to buy alcohol from non-licensed shops or without an alcohol license.
Bars and nightclubs in Dubai close by 3 am as per the licensing laws of UAE. The breaking of drinking laws can lead to imprisonment, hefty fines and strict punishment.
Emirate of Sharjah fully prohibits sale, consumption or possession of alcohol.
Alcohol or Liquor license in Dubai
Dubai is a hub of tourism for the UAE with a large population of expats and inflow of tourists. Drinking is allowed to non-Muslims residents in Dubai. To purchase or drink alcohol in Dubai, one must get an alcohol license in Dubai.
o Qualifications of the Applicant - Legal age to drink alcohol in UAE is 21, must be a non-Muslim, resident of Dubai with earnings more than 3000AED per month.
o Alcohol license application forms can be obtained from two companies in Dubai – MMI (Maritime &Mercantile International) and A&E (African& Eastern) liquor shops.
o Documentary requirements include passport and resident visa, tenancy contract or proof of ownership of residence, 2 passport size photos, salary certificate, copy of employer`s establishment card and application fee of AED 160.
o Processing time takes about a month Licenses are valid for a year and they need to be renewed.
o Liquor license allows a person to purchase and transport alcohol within Dubai. On possessing alcohol license, it is legal in transporting alcohol of reasonable quantity from an authorized dealer to the residence in a private vehicle. However, carrying alcohol is considered illegal in a public transport.
Liquor stores in UAE
Alcohol is freely available in liquor stores in UAE. They are:
MMI Stores
§ MMI is a licensed liquor store chain in Dubai It is a home for leading brands of wines, beers, and spirits.
§ There are 16 MMI stores in Dubai – Al Safa (Spinney’s), Bur Dubai, Deira, Trade Center, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Investments Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Festival Center, Uptown Motor City, Karama, and Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road in Bur Dubai.
§ AL Hamra Cellar in Ras Al Khaimah which is liquor store with tax-free in UAE.
§ Le Clos at the Dubai International Airport will give you awesome experience of Liquor buying in Dubai Duty Free.
African & Eastern Stores:
It has the largest retail network of 22 stores in UAE with each store offering unparallel shopping experience.
Barracuda ( Barracuda Beach Resort) in Umm Al Qaiwain
Dolphin Duty-Free (Hilton RAK Beach Resort &Spa) in Ras Al Khaimah
JMK Cellars in Ras Al Khaimah- Boasts biggest range of spirits in Emirates
Centaurus International
Hole in the Wall at Ajman