The Latest Alcohol Rules For Tourists In Dubai After Government Reduces Prices

Last Updated 3 minutes in the past

Trips to Dubai simply received cheaper for vacationers who take pleasure in a drink on trip with the federal government eradicating its 30% municipality tax on alcohol gross sales. The nation has additionally eliminated its AED 270 (US$73) charge for liquor licenses that permit individuals to purchase alcohol to drink at house. The discount in charges and taxes has gone into impact now and shall be trialed for a 12 months.

Major alcohol purveyors are already celebrating the information on their social channels, immediately reflecting the brand new pricing on their inventory in-stores however are caveating that the 5% VAT charge will nonetheless apply.

Drinking Caipirinha cocktail in Dubai in souk madinat jumeirah outside in a bar

“You no longer need to make trips across the country to stock up on your favourite drinks. With the removal of 30% municipality tax and FREE alcohol licence, buying your favourite drinks is now easier and cheaper than ever!” stated MMI Dubai, a significant purveyor of alcohol, on its Instagram.

This transfer is predicted to spice up the enchantment of Dubai as a destination for tourists and digital nomads, to compete with its neighboring international locations that additionally carry hefty taxes on alcohol. Tourism is a vital revenue stream for Dubai, with vacationer numbers growing more than 180% within the first half of 2022, in comparison with the identical time interval a 12 months prior, whereas new establishments are constantly popping up to meet this demand.

Modern skyscrapers and water channel with boats of Dubai Marina at sunset, United Arab Emirates

Do I Need A Liquor License To Drink At My Accommodation?

For vacationers staying in accommodations, the reply is NO.

Tourists which can be staying in personal lodging like leases or Airbnb’s may have totally different guidelines in the event that they wish to purchase bottles to convey house. Tourists can apply for a free 30-day license to buy alcohol, which is a simplified course of that you are able to do at two of the primary purveyors of alcohol in Dubai – MMI and African + Eastern. You simply have to be a minimum of 21 years of age and might want to convey your passport and a legitimate customer visa to the shop to acquire the license.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

Woman in a liquor store shopping for wine. Taken at Town Square, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Where Can I Buy Alcohol?

MMI and African + Eastern are the 2 primary legally operated liquor shops in Dubai and collectively have virtually 40 shops in Dubai, which inventory the preferred wines, spirits, and beer manufacturers.

Tourists even have entry to the Legal Home Delivery service, which is the one authorized alcohol supply service in Dubai operated by MMI and African + Eastern. This service means you possibly can keep away from going into the shop and go for supply to your lodging as a substitute, which is out there 7 days per week between 10 am and 10 pm.

The system doesn’t at the moment provide same-day supply, so you’ll need to order earlier than 12 pm to get next-day supply and order a minimal of UAE 150 (US$40). Currently, there is no limit set by law on how a lot alcohol you should purchase, so long as you’ve gotten a liquor license to buy it.

Duty free store Johnnie Walker alcohol company for duty-free operations at International Airport.

Where Can I Drink Alcohol?

Drinking alcohol is restricted to sure places which can be thought of authorized. This consists of your residence or lodging, and in licensed venues across the metropolis.

Dubai, UAE People lounging near food trucks at the Food Truck Jam, a weekend event with food trucks and live music at the Emirates Golf Club. Dubai Media City in the backdrop.

Alcohol is not widely served in Dubai due to its Muslim population and Islamic legal guidelines, so you possibly can solely drink at formally licensed institutions corresponding to accommodations, eating places, bars, and golf equipment which can be focused towards expats and vacationers. It is really helpful by the Embassy of the UAE to not ask for alcohol if it isn’t on the menu. If you come throughout places with indicators saying “dry,” this implies they don’t serve alcohol.

Dubai’s golf equipment usually kick into gear round 10am and shut round 3am, with alcohol service stopping at round 1 am, however every location has its personal schedule.

Dubai, UAE Beautiful beach bar overlooking the Burj Al Arab Hotel.

Is Alcohol Expensive In Dubai?

A variety of alcohol is served in Dubai, but it surely usually comes with a bigger price ticket than house. Drinking alcohol in Dubai is taken into account a privilege, however the latest removing of the 30% of tax ought to make it extra engaging for vacationers.

Some remain skeptical that these financial savings shall be handed on when consuming on-site at bars and eating places. According to The Washington Post, a pint of Budweiser prices about $13 at a resort bar near Dubai airport, whereas Legal Home Delivery advertises costs for a 1L of Absolut Vodka at UAS 191 (US $52), whereas wines begin from UAE 22 (US $6), excluding 5% VAT tax.