UAE Liquor Rules: A Straight‑Forward 2025 Guide

If you’re heading to the UAE, knowing the liquor rules can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle. The country has clear limits on where you can buy, who can drink, and what happens if you break the rules. Below you’ll find the basics you need to stay on the right side of the law while still having a good time.

Where You Can Buy Alcohol

Alcohol is only sold in licensed places. You’ll find it in hotel bars, upscale restaurants, and special liquor stores that have a permit. The biggest chain is the “African + Eastern” stores – they’re easy to spot and sell a wide range of drinks. If you’re a non‑Muslim expat, you can apply for a personal liquor licence, which lets you buy alcohol from these stores for home use. Tourists don’t need a licence; they can order drinks at hotels or buy a bottle from the hotel minibar.

Don’t try to buy alcohol from supermarkets or street vendors – it’s illegal and you could be fined or arrested. In Abu Dhabi the rules are similar, but the number of licensed shops is smaller, so most visitors stick to hotel purchases.

Drinking Rules, Age Limits, and Penalties

The legal drinking age is 21 across the UAE. Staff will ask for ID, so keep your passport or a copy handy. Public drinking is a big no‑no. You can only consume alcohol on private property, in hotel rooms, or inside licensed venues. Walking around with an open bottle, drinking in a park, or being visibly drunk in public can lead to fines ranging from 500 AED to several thousand AED, plus possible jail time for repeat offenses.

If you’re caught intoxicated while driving, the penalties are severe – heavy fines, license suspension, and possible imprisonment. The UAE has zero tolerance for drug‑related offences, and the same strict attitude applies to alcohol‑related disorderly conduct.

When you travel to the UAE, you’re allowed to bring a limited amount of alcohol in your checked luggage – up to 4 litres of wine or 2 litres of spirits. Anything over that must be declared and may be taxed. Pack your bottles carefully and keep them sealed to avoid issues at customs.

To keep things simple, stick to drinking inside hotels or licensed bars, respect the age limit, and never drink in public places. If you’re unsure whether a location is licensed, look for a visible liquor licence sign or ask the staff.

Following these rules lets you enjoy the vibrant nightlife and fine dining scenes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah without worrying about legal trouble. Stay informed, drink responsibly, and have a great time in the UAE.