Alcohol License in Dubai – [2020 + Infographic]

Complete Guide to get Alcohol License in Dubai

Yes, consuming Alcohol isn’t prohibited in Dubai, yet as per the law, If you want to use, store or even transport alcohol, you need to have an alcohol license in Dubai.

Tourists, new residents, and expats may not have ever heard about the need for an alcohol license. It only crosses your mind when you need to buy liquor.

In this article, you’ll get:

Additionally, we’ve prepared a beautiful infographic about alcohol in Dubai, for you here to use it as your checklist. 🙂

Before we start, let’s understand what alcohol license in Dubai means…

What is an alcohol license?

An alcohol license, or a liquor license, is application forms that are available in UAE liquor stores. Furthermore, having a license means that you can consume alcohol legally at home. So Dubai alcohol license permits its license holder, and that person only, to drink, store, transport or even possess alcohol. With that said, it means that even to have alcohol in your own home, you need a license.

Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?

The answer is YES, you can!

But here’s the kicker:

Although Dubai is in an Arab Muslim country, it’s very modern and open for expats & tourists. You can consume Alcohol in bars, clubs, or hotels. Yet, if you want to buy, consume, or store alcohol at home, you’d need a personal alcohol license in Dubai.

Then why do I need a license?

As a matter of fact, Dubai authorities are aware that drinking alcohol is popular among a huge number of expatriates who are especially non-Muslims, and for that reason, the UAE sets rules for purchasing and drinking alcohol.

And what if you’re just a tourist in Dubai?

Dubai drinking laws for tourists

Clubs & Hotels Emirates -except Sharjah- are actually allowed to serve alcoholic drinks in their bars and restaurants. However, Independent restaurants do not serve alcohol.

Now I don’t want to intimidate you but, Many of UAE residents don’t get the necessity for an alcohol license, and what the consequences could be. Failing to present a license could lead to prosecution and penalties including fines and even the loss of your visa in the country.

Generally speaking…

If you do not have alcohol licenses and you consume alcohol outside of locations such as hotels or bars, you are threatened with criminal offenses and the possibility of being expelled from the country.

Moreover, It is an offense to buy alcohol from an off-license without a liquor license.

What is the drinking age in Dubai?

The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21.

But that’s not all…

Dubai alcohol license process has become much easier in 2019 and still in 2020!

Alcohol license requirements in Dubai

In order to get an alcohol license in Dubai, you’ll need to be:

  1. Non-muslim and sure above 21
  2. Emirates ID and sure living in Dubai (Resident/Expat)
  3. Passport copy with visa stamped
  4. Passport photo
  5. And sure to fill out the alcohol license application
Before, and in order to apply for your liquor license you were required to provide a labor contract or original salary certificate to show an earning of at least AED 3,000 monthly, as well as an NOC from the company or company stamp on the application. Now it all changed and all you need to provide is the above.
Note that the liquor licenses are Emirate specific. This means a liquor license issued for Dubai only allows you to drink in Dubai. Each Emirate requires a separate alcohol license.

With one big exception:

Drinking alcohol in Sharjah is illegal.

How to apply for an alcohol license in Dubai?

Apply for Dubai Alcohol License

You can either apply online or through any MMI or African + Eastern store:

  1. Fill the application form that you get from any MMI or African + Eastern liquor store. Fill the form and get it stamped by your employer (Your visa provider)
  2. Attach the required documents
  3. Visit any MMI or A+E alcohol store to submit your application form and required documents

What are the documents required for alcohol license Dubai?

For a new alcohol license you’d need:

  • Your original Emirates ID
  • A Copy of your passport with your visa stamped
  • Passport size photos
  • Tenancy contract is optional

What if I don’t have a labor contract?

There’s no need for labor contract, or NOC for the company anymore

What if I don’t have a tenancy contract?

It’s alright? You don’t need a tenancy contract anymore. If you’re non-Muslim & over 21, you can now apply for a license legally safe and secure.

After submitting the application and the necessary documents, you’ll receive the license within 4 weeks.

You can also apply online for alcohol licenses.

Alcohol license in Dubai, apply online

Dubai is a smart city and most of the services are available online. To apply online do the 4 steps below and fill up alcohol license application:

  1. Simply, visit www.alcohollicencedubai.com, you’ll see several options to request an alcohol license:
  2. Click on ‘Apply Online’
  3. Sign up or login with your Facebook account
  4. Fill the online form and issue the payment

You will receive your alcohol license directly to your doorstep 🙂

Don’t miss a creative wine bottle cap opener for an amazing evening, by Amazon:

Alcohol license Dubai Price/Fee

To obtain an alcohol license in Dubai, the municipality fee is usually about 270 AED.

And that’s all for obtaining a new alcohol license in Dubai.

And as a wrap of all, you may download this Alcohol License in Dubai infographic, as your checklist for everything mentioned above

Alcohol License in Dubai Inforgraphic

Download Alcohol License in Dubai Infographic

What’s more?

If you have your liquor license, then you probably know that it would be valid for one year you’ll need to renew it, here’s how:

How to renew alcohol license in Dubai

  • Copy Passport and Residence Visa.
  • Copy of Tenancy Contract. (Same methods above apply if you don’t have a tenancy contract)
  • Expired Liquor Licence.

More things worth noting for some cases of acquiring Dubai alcohol license:

For family members, everyone who is over the age of 21 should apply for a license. If you have a spouse on your sponsorship, apply for a license with but they don’t have a obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from you, however, family members on a student visa cannot apply.

Also, for single female Dubai residents. They can apply for a license, however, married women before had to also get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their husband, but with the new law, it’s not required anymore!

If your visa is stamped in an Emirate other than Dubai, a No Objection Certificate is required from that emirate’s police headquarters (e.g. in Abu Dhabi, it’s the Ministry of Tourism that provides the NOC).

What comes with Dubai alcohol license now?

When you get an alcohol license from African & Eastern, you’ll be able to enjoy the below vouchers:

  1. You’d be eligible to get 25% off on your next purchase or your choice of AED 270 worth of free products at any of A&E stores in Dubai
  2. You may also get 25% off on your next purchase at The Cellars Fujairah store
  3. 25% off on your next purchase at The Cellars Ras Al Khaimah store
  4. If you introduce a friend voucher you get AED 100
  5. 2 for the price of 1 on a bottle of House Wine at Irish Village, Garhoud
  6. AED 150 off your total bill at Warehouse, Le Méridien Dubai
  7. You get 15% off your total bill at McGettigan’s DWTC
  8. A complimentary bottle of house red or white wine with every two main courses purchased at Maison Mathis
  9. AED 150 off your total bill at Cargo, Pier 7
  10. 2 FOR 1 on Buena Onda Friday Brunch at Goucho Dubai, DIFC
  11. If you purchase a grilled platter at Sama Lounge you get a free pint of Budweiser
  12. With any main course at Oregano, you get a free main course of lesser value
  13. Free bottle of house wine at Malecon, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa
  14. Karaoke Pod hire for 6 people at Lucky Voice, Dubai
  15. Free bottle of house wine at Capana Nuova, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa
  16. 2 FOR 1 on a bottle of House Wine at Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort
  17. 2 FOR 1 on house beverages at Bahri Bar, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam
  18. Free bottle of Antares Wine with Purchase of 2 Main Courses at Speakeasy, Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach

Where to buy alcohol in Dubai?

You can’t purchase alcohol in supermarkets, but after receiving your license, you can visit African + Eastern or MMI stores in Dubai.

Alcohol stores in Dubai (Official liquor shops in Dubai)

Alcohol Stores in Dubai

African + Eastern alcohol stores in Dubai

There are 17 African + Eastern alcohol stores in Dubai:

  1. Al Furjan:

    Al Furjan Pavilion, next to Spinneys store | Get Directions
    +971 4 243 8630 | Alfurjan@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  2. Al Qusais:

    Damascus St & 19th St, near NBAD Bank | Get Directions
    +971 4 2249291 | Alqusais.shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  3. Al Wasl:

    Spinneys Center, Corner of Al Wasl Rd & Umm Al Shief Rd | Get Directions
    +971 4 3942676 | Alwasl.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  4. Arabian Ranches:

    Arabian Ranches 1 Community Center, entrance at rear of Centre | Get Directions
    +971 4 360 6620 | AR.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  5. Barsha Heights – TECOM:

    Ground Floor, Grosvenor Business Tower, next to Emirates NBD | Get Directions
    +971 4 445 6880 | Tecom.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  6. Bur Dubai:

    Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, near to Fatima Supermarket – Bank Street | Get Directions
    +971 4 352 4521 | dubai.shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  7. Deira:

    42 A Street (Al Maktoum Street), opposite Mayfair Hotel | Get Directions
    +971 4 222 2666 | Deira.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  8. Downtown Dubai, Burj Views:

    Burj Views Tower, next to Carrefour Supermarket | Get Directions
    +971 4 363 8075 | Burjviews.shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  9. Dubai Marina Walk:

    Marina Walk shopping centre, next to Starbucks Coffee | Get Directions
    +971 4 368 3981 | Marina.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  10. Dubai Marina Mall:

    Level B2, Dubai Marina Mall, underneath Waitrose Supermarket | Get Directions
    +971 4 454 1120 | MarinaMall.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  11. Green community:

    Choithrams shopping centre, 1st shop when you drive in | Get Directions
    +971 4 885 5188 | GreenCommunity.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | 2pm -9pm

  12. International City:

    International City Pavilion, French Cluster, near Union Coop | Get Directions
    +971 4 450 1178 | intlcity.shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  13. Jumeirah:

    10 B St, off Jumeirah Beach Road, behind Spinneys Supermarket | Get Directions
    +971 4 349 0246 | Jumeirah.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  14. Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT):

    Ground Floor, Cluster S, Lake Green Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers | Get Directions
    +9714 244 3458 | JLT.shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  15. Karama:

    Zabeel Plaza Building, next to Emirates NBD Bank | Get Directions
    +971 4 357 2260 | Karama.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  16. Mirdiff:

    Uptown Mirdiff Mall, next to Spinneys Supermarket | Get Directions
    +971 4 288 2715 | Mirdif.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  17. Springs Souk:

    Springs Souk Mall, Near Springs 7. Entrance from the back of the mall | Get Directions
    +9714 4270 819 | Springs.Shop@ane.ae
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

For more information, you can find all A+E liquor stores online at the official website here.

Want to know the best part?

Each license comes with an in-store spending limit based on your salary. Also, there’s a range of benefits if you apply online for your license with African + Eastern, including:

  • 15% off your food bill at The Irish Village & McGettigan’s DWTC
  • 20% off your total bill at Goodfellas, Ramee Rose Hotel & Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor, Meliã Dubai
  • 25% off your first purchase at any A+E store in Dubai & The Cellars Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah stores
  • AED 50 voucher for introducing a friend
  • AED 150 off your total bill at Cargo, Pier 7, Dubai Marina & Warehouse, Le Méridien Hotel and Conference Centre
  • Two-for-one on house beverages at Bahri Bar, Mina A’Salam Madinat Jumeirah

MMI alcohol stores in Dubai

There are 20 MMI liquor shops across Dubai at:

  1. The Greens (Onyx):

    Ground floor of Onyx Tower 1, The Greens | Get Directions
    +971 4 379 4329
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  2. City Walk:

    Corner of Al Mustaqbal Street. 13th street in City Walk | Get Directions
    +971 4 343 6194
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  3. Armada JLT:

    B1 level, Armada 3 Tower, Cluster P, JLT | Get Directions
    +971 4 425 1701
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  4. Al Wasl:

    Next to Spinneys Al Wasl Road | Get Directions
    +971 4 394 0351
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  5. Dnata Business Bay:

    Exit 48, Al Khaleej Al Tejari 1 St | Get Directions
    +971 4 321 4805
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  6. Le Clos Terminal 1:

    Terminal 1 Concourse D | Get Directions
    +971 4 250 1542
    Open 24/7/365

  7. Trade Centre – Mankhool:

    Behind Spinneys, Trade Centre Road | Get Directions
    +971 4 352 3091
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  8. Sheikh Zayed Road:

    Saeed Tower 2, Next to KFC & Nando’s | Get Directions
    +971 4 321 1223
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  9. Motor City:

    Next to Spinneys | Get Directions
    +971 4 447 4900
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  10. Mall of The Emirates:

    Next to the Food Court entrance | Get Directions
    +971 4 341 0371
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  11. Ibn Battuta Mall:

    Andalusia Court | Get Directions
    +971 4 368 5626
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  12. Green Community:

    Dubai Investment Part, Next to Choithram | Get Directions
    +971 4 885 4550
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  13. Dubai Festival City:

    The ground floor of Hyper Panda (Carrefour) Car Park P1 | Get Directions
    +971 4 232 5522
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  14.  DSO Cedre:

    Dubai Silicon Oasis Cedre Shopping Centre | Get Directions
    +971 4 326 1103
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  15. Deira:

    Near the Clock Tower, Emirates Group HQ | Get Directions
    +971 4 294 0390
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  16. Al Thanya:

    Waitrose Centre on Al Thanya Street, Umm Suqeim | Get Directions
    +971 4 380 7655
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  17. Le Clos Terminal 3:

    5 Le Close stores in Terminal 3 | Get Directions
    +971 4 294 6642
    24/7/365

  18. Cellar Saver Karama:

    Al Maskan building, near Karama Emarat Station | Get Directions
    +971 4 335 1722
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  19. Cellar Saver Bur Dubai:

    Computer Street, Opposite Sea Shell Hotel | Get Directions
    +971 4 393 4361
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Thursday 10am – 9pm | Fridays 2pm -9pm

  20. Al Hamra Cellar:

    Al Hamra Village Development, close to RAK Ceramics | Get Directions
    +971 4 244 7403
    Open 7 Days | Saturday – Sunday 9am – 9pm

You can find all MMI stores online on their official website here.

If you’re new to Dubai or you find it hard to reach to any of the above liquor stores in Dubai, you can check our Dubai bus routes here.

Last but not least, and since we’re talking about consuming alcohol, it’s good to remind you about a few points.

Public drunken behavior is an offense and the consequences for those who do not possess a liquor license can be far more severe.
Driving a car under the influence of alcohol could get you immediately in jail followed by deportation. It could also cost you a fine of AED 20,000 and 24 black points to your driving license, which means 3 months to stop driving in the UAE. Furthermore, this type of accident does not cover the insurance, it means that if you make property damage or health. You will not leave jail until the amount is paid to the bereaved family or owner in full.
One more thing worth noting is that, while alcohol can be purchased in some other emirates such as Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah is a “dry” emirate, which means that it’s illegal to make the trip through it from Ras Al Khaimah or Ajman to Dubai with alcohol.

Frequently asked questions about alcohol in Dubai

Which authority is responsible for liquor licensing in Dubai?

Liquor licenses in Dubai are issued by the Dubai Police General Headquarter (‘DPGH’).

Is it fine to drink alcohol in public places in Dubai, when I have a license?

No! It is illegal to drink in the street or in a public space. Only in venues serving alcohol.

Can you bring alcohol to Dubai?

Yes, you can bring up to 4 liters of alcohol or 48 cans of beer (where each does not exceed 355 ml)

What is the punishment for drinking alcohol in Dubai without an alcohol license?

If someone was caught drunk or drinking without having an alcohol permit; Punishment is imprisonment for a period of six months or a fine of AED 5,000 or both.

Do they serve alcohol in Dubai Mall?

No! there’s no restaurant in any mall in Dubai that serves alcohol. You can drink only in hotels or bars or special venues that serve alcohol.

Can I carry liquor in checked baggage from Dubai?

Yes, you can. You can carry liquor in your checked baggage and in case you are entering Dubai, the amount cannot exceed 4 liters of alcohol or 48 cans of beer (where each does not exceed 355 ml).

Can I get an alcohol license in Dubai for Muslim?

No. A Muslim will not be granted an alcohol license in Dubai.

Eventually, we’d like to hear from you:

What do you think of this guide?

Or maybe you have a question or a suggestion about alcohol licenses in Dubai.

Either way, let us know by leaving a comment below right now!

Source
African & EasternMMI Dubai

One Comment

  1. This law has since been changed for tourists. The license is free at any liquor store and it only takes five minutes for tourists and you can buy alcohol at the liquor stores

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