Dubai Alcohol Rules: Guide for 2025 Travelers

Thinking about having a drink in Dubai? The city has clear rules, and knowing them saves you from costly fines or awkward moments. Below you’ll find the basics – where you can buy alcohol, how public drinking works, and what the penalties are if you break the rules.

Where You Can Buy Alcohol

First off, alcohol is only sold in licensed venues. Big hotels, international bars, and select restaurants hold a liquor licence, so you’ll find beer, wine, and spirits on their menus. You can also purchase bottles from duty‑free shops at the airport or from the few licensed liquor stores that operate inside shopping malls. These stores require you to show a valid passport, and you’re limited to a maximum of 4 liters of alcohol per person per year.

Keep in mind that supermarkets and regular convenience stores do NOT sell alcohol. If you’re staying at a hotel with a minibar, that’s covered by the hotel’s licence, and you can enjoy drinks there without any extra paperwork.

Public Drinking and Fines

Drinking in public places like streets, parks, beaches, or public transport is illegal. If you’re caught with an open bottle, the police can fine you anywhere from AED 200 to AED 5,000, depending on the situation. The same rule applies to being visibly drunk in public – it can lead to a fine and, in severe cases, detention.When you’re out at a bar or club, stay inside the licensed area. If you leave with a drink in hand, you’re breaking the law. Also, avoid bringing your own alcohol into a licensed venue; most places will ask you to discard it.

Ramadan brings extra restrictions. During the holy month, most venues stop serving alcohol during daylight hours, and some close entirely. Check the venue’s schedule before you go.

If you’re a non‑Muslim resident, you can apply for a personal liquor licence through the Dubai Police. This licence allows you to purchase and store alcohol at home, but you still cannot drink it in public or bring it into non‑licensed places.

For tourists, the easiest route is to stick to hotels, licensed bars, and restaurants. Order a drink, enjoy the ambiance, and pay the bill – that’s all you need to do.

In case you do get stopped, stay calm, show your passport, and pay the fine promptly. Most fines can be settled on the spot at a police station or via a payment portal.

Bottom line: enjoy Dubai’s vibrant nightlife, but keep your drinks inside licensed walls and respect public drinking bans. Follow these simple tips and you’ll have a hassle‑free experience.