Drinking Age in Dubai – Things you should know!

The legal drinking age in dubai is 21 years old for both residents and tourists in Dubai, and this is strictly enforced. When you visit a designated shop, hotel, or club, you’re asked to show valid age proof along with the alcohol license to buy alcoholic drinks. 

As far as drinking laws matter, alcohol can’t be consumed in public but only in licensed restaurants, lounges, hotels, clubs, and private residences. If you’re a tourist, you must show your passport and visit visa to buy alcohol. Moreover, it is illegal to drink and drive.

However, since Dubai is an Islamic city-state, many people are confused regarding the legal drinking age here. Well, don’t worry! This guide discusses all the drinking laws in Dubai, along with the legal age, fines, punishments, and more. Read on to learn more!

Is Alcohol Allowed in Dubai?

Yes. Alcohol is allowed in Dubai, but only for non-muslims. 

Both non-muslim tourists and residents are allowed to drink alcohol in any form, such as canes, beer, wine, etc. All they have to do is visit the specific designated shops and clubs, show their alcohol license, and order their drinks. 

However, Muslims aren’t permitted to purchase or drink alcohol in Dubai. This is because Islam prohibits it, which is the main religion in the city. Under the Sharia law, Muslims can not associate with alcohol in any way.

What is the Legal Drinking Age in Dubai?

The Legal Drinking Age in Dubai is 21 years!

TIP: If you go to buy drinks, ensure to keep a valid age proof and alcohol license with you. The staff members and bouncers will check these before letting you in. 

Can I Take Duty-Free Alcohol Into Dubai?

Yes, passengers are permitted to bring alcohol into Dubai without paying any customs duty. They can bring up to 4 liters of alcoholic beverages or 2 cartons of beer to Dubai, each having 24 cans without exceeding the 355 ml/can limit; this is equivalent to 5 standard wine bottles. 

What’s the Fine for Drinking Alcohol in Dubai?

There is no fine if you drink alcohol in Dubai at the designated places with the proper licensing. However, you can be fined up to AED 100,000 and a penalty of up to six months in prison if you drink alcohol in public or in unauthorized locations. 

Can Tourists Drink Alcohol in Dubai?

Yes, tourists can legally consume in Dubai whether an expatriate or a holidaymaker. However, the only condition is that they must be 21 years of age or older. Other than that, here are some important considerations:

• You must purchase alcohol from a licensed premises, such as a shop, hotel, restaurant, bar, or nightclub.
• You can only consume alcohol in lounges or restaurants that have a valid alcohol license.
• You can consume alcohol in your home or living space if you have an alcohol license.
• You can’t purchase alcohol from a tourist or an off-license.
• You can’t consume alcohol in public.

Is Dubai Strict on Drinking Age?

Yes, Dubai is strict on the drinking age. You must be at least 21 years of age or older in order to obtain alcoholic drinks in Dubai. You need to show your valid age proof and alcohol license to buy alcohol in a liquor store or consume/store alcohol in your home. 

If someone is found selling alcohol to a person who is younger than 21 years, they will be punished by imprisonment and an AED 100-500 fine. We suggest everyone under 21 consume only non-alcoholic beverages while staying in Dubai. 

Conclusion

In Dubai, only people who are 21 or older can drink alcohol. This rule is strict and applies to both residents and tourists. Only non-muslims are allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai; Muslims can’t drink alcohol because of their religion.

You can only buy alcohol from special places like licensed shops, hotels, or clubs, and you need to show proof of your age. Remember, drinking in public is not allowed and can lead to big fines or even jail time; consume alcohol only in designated places.