Dubai Alcohol Laws: A Simple Guide for Visitors and Residents

Thinking about having a drink in Dubai? You can, but the rules are a bit different from what you might expect. The city lets adults enjoy alcohol in licensed places, but public drinking, buying booze on the street, and being drunk in public are all off‑limits. Knowing the basics will keep your night smooth and avoid any trouble.

Who Can Drink and Where?

Only people who are 21 or older can legally drink alcohol in Dubai. If you’re a tourist, you don’t need any special paperwork – just stick to bars, clubs, hotel lounges, and restaurants that have a liquor licence. These spots are usually in hotels, upscale malls, or designated nightlife districts like Dubai Marina and DIFC. You’ll see a sign or badge indicating the venue is licensed. Buying alcohol from a supermarket or a convenience store is only allowed if you have a personal alcohol licence, which most tourists don’t have.

Public drinking is strictly prohibited. That means no open bottles on the beach, in parks, or on the streets. If you’re caught with an open container, the police can fine you or even confiscate the drink. The same applies to being visibly drunk in public – you could be taken to a police station, fined, and escorted home. So, always enjoy your drinks inside a licensed venue and keep the bottle closed when you leave.

Getting an Alcohol Licence

If you’re a resident and want to buy alcohol to keep at home, you’ll need a personal alcohol licence. The process is straightforward: you apply through the Dubai Police website, provide a copy of your Emirates ID, passport, and a recent utility bill. Once approved, you can shop at licensed stores like African + Eastern or MMI, but only for personal consumption. The licence is valid for a year and can be renewed online. Remember, the licence is only for personal use – you can’t sell the alcohol or give it to friends.

Tourists don’t need a licence because they can only purchase alcohol inside licensed venues. If you’re staying at a hotel, the bar or restaurant will handle the purchase for you. The price of drinks can be high, especially at hotels, so it’s worth checking the menu before ordering. Some places offer happy hour deals, which can bring the cost down significantly.

Finally, keep an eye on the local holidays and religious events. During Ramadan, most venues stop serving alcohol during daylight hours, and some may close entirely. After sunset, many places resume service, but it’s always good to double‑check the schedule. Also, be aware that driving after drinking is a serious offense – the legal blood alcohol limit is zero for drivers, and you can face heavy fines, licence suspension, or even jail time.

Bottom line: enjoy Dubai’s impressive nightlife, but respect the rules. Stick to licensed venues, know the age limit, and avoid public drinking. If you’re a resident, get the personal licence for home consumption. Follow these tips and you’ll have a great time without any surprises from the authorities.