“You are invited to the Dubai Food and Wine Festival!”
Wait. What? There is a wine festival in Dubai? You can drink in Dubai?
The quick answer: yes, as a tourist.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Dubai is that you can’t drink. And if you do there are strict repercussions. This isn’t the case, but it’s also not a 24-hour booze-fueled party.
The city of Dubai is the hub of tourism for the United Arab Emirates. For this reason, and because of the large population of expats living in Dubai, drinking is allowed for non-Muslims.
That said, the city it is still a Muslim city that follows the rule of Sharia Law (the religious legal system for the Islamic faith). So while Dubai tolerates alcohol consumption by non-Muslims it still imposes strict rules.
Here, everything you need to know about drinking as a tourist in Dubai:
Drinking Is A-OK, in the Right Places
Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. It is unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places—even beaches. Dubai is incredibly strict about public drunkenness and has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
You Need a License to Buy Booze (But There’s a Way Around It)
To purchase alcohol at a store, both residents and tourists require a license. But there is a loophole: To avoid having to obtain a license, visitors can purchase alcohol at Duty Free in the airport and bring it back to their hotel. But, if you do want to apply for a license, you must be over the age of 21 and earn an excess of 3,000 AED a month (just over $800).
The Police Are Always Watching
While in Dubai, you might notice the absence of police officers in public areas and think it’s okay to crack open a beer. Be advised, the police are there, blending in, dressed as civilians. Being drunk in public can lead to sentences of six months in jail and hefty fines, so wait on the beer.
The Drinks Are Worth It
Strict punishments aside, Dubai understands that its visitors and non-Muslim residents want a good co*cktail every once in awhile. The wine, beer and co*cktail programs at hotels and restaurants are exceptional, with cutting-edge mixology, jaw-dropping wine lists and expertly curated liquor selections. The four and five star hotels (and, of course, the extra-exclusive seven-star hotels) pride themselves on bringing in some of the best Champagne, bartenders and sommeliers in the world.
When It Comes to Social Media, the Vaguer, the Better
Those active on social media should be aware of what they post when drinking is involved. It is best to refer to alcohol generically. Try to be vague when posting about alcohol-related activities. For instance, “I am enjoying a drink at the hotel” instead of “This vodka cranberry co*cktail is going down like water.”
FAQs
Drinking Is A-OK, in the Right Places
Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. It is unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places—even beaches. Dubai is incredibly strict about public drunkenness and has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
Is Dubai strict with drinking? ›
Dubai Has Strict Rules Against Drinking Alcohol — but Its co*cktail Scene Is Thriving. The paradox of drinking in Dubai, and how the city's co*cktail culture just keeps getting better.
Can you drink alcohol in your hotel room in Dubai? ›
Dubai drinking laws
Alcohol can only be consumed in private (such as your own home or hotel) or in licensed public places.
How much is the average drink in Dubai? ›
How much do drinks cost in Dubai?
| Drink | Price (local currency) | Price (£) |
|---|
| Wine | 50 AED | £11 |
| Gin and tonic | 50 AED | £11 |
| co*cktails | 70 AED | £15 |
| Soft drinks | 20 AED | £4.50 |
2 more rowsJan 27, 2023
The UAE's law prohibits sale of tobacco and tobacco products to children. Smoking in public transportation, private vehicles and indoor places in the presence of a child is also prohibited.
How much is a beer in Dubai? ›
Dubai was the city with the most expensive pint of beer in the world in 2021. On average, consumers could expect to pay 10.40 GBP for a pint.
Can unmarried couples share a hotel room in Dubai? ›
Can unmarried couples stay in the same hotel room? According to the law, it's illegal for unmarried couples to stay in the same room during a holiday in Dubai. In reality, this is not strictly enforced and it's unlikely you'll be challenged on it. Many unmarried couples visit Dubai every year without issue.
Is Dubai safe for Americans? ›
Dubai is, in fact, one of the safest Middle Eastern cities for tourists. Its stricter laws mean that crime is kept to a minimum, and many tourists feel much safer in Dubai than they do in other parts of the globe. The crime rate in Dubai is much lower than comparable countries in other regions in the world.
Can you drink on your balcony in Dubai? ›
Make sure the doors and the balcony access are always securely locked. It is unethical to use drugs or alcohol while sitting on the balcony.
Can you kiss in Dubai hotels? ›
In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, there are strict rules and cultural norms surrounding unmarried couples staying at the same hotel and sharing a bed. According to the UAE's Islamic law, it is illegal for unmarried couples to engage in any kind of physical intimacy, including sharing a bed.
Due to the harsh anti-gay laws of the UAE, you will not find any outright gay hotels in Dubai as you would in Fort Lauderdale or Key West for example! In Dubai, some hotels may even require two men sharing a room to have an extra mattress added, or they will only allow you to book a room with twin beds.
Can two female friends share a hotel room in Dubai? ›
No issues whatsoever. Actually its much better than two unmarried of opposite sex sharing the room. It is perfectly fine for you to stay even in one room.
How much is a can of co*ke in Dubai? ›
AED 2.50(Inc.
Enjoy every moment with Coca-Cola Original Taste. Perfect size to enjoy on-the-go or with a meal with family and friends. Best enjoyed ice-cold for maximum refreshment. Package is Recyclable.
How much is 1 water bottle in Dubai? ›
How much does a bottle of water cost in Dubai? - Quora. Cost of water in Dubai 2.50 Dhirams. In Jumaira area cost varies from 3 to 14 Dhirams. per bottle.
What is the most famous drink in Dubai? ›
Dubai's national drink is a sweet chai tea served with milk and spices including saffron, cinnamon, and ginger. It's best served with a sweet treat on the side.
Are there nightclubs in Dubai? ›
These are the best places for groups seeking dance clubs & discos in Dubai: BLU Dubai. SOT Dubai - Nightclub, Restaurant & Lounge.
Can you kiss in public in Dubai? ›
16 Never Do: Kiss In Public
Well, among public displays of affection, kissing might be the worst of the lot. It does not matter if one party kisses the other on the lips, on the cheek, or in a private place that would get them locked upon any part of the world; kissing is forbidden in public places in Dubai.
