Alcohol Regulations

Alcohol is legal but strictly regulated in the UAE — and the system is confusing for newcomers:

Where can you drink alcohol?

• In licensed hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs: Yes, without restriction. This is the norm for tourists. Beer, wine, cocktails — all available, but expensive (beer 40–70 AED/10–17 EUR, cocktail 60–100 AED/15–25 EUR).
• In private residences: Yes, with a personal alcohol license (simplified for tourists since 2024 via the "Barcode" app).
• In public: Absolutely prohibited. No alcohol consumption on the street, at the beach (except in licensed beach clubs), in parks, or in the car. Penalty: Fine up to imprisonment.
• In Sharjah: Alcohol is banned throughout the emirate — even in hotels.

Where can you buy alcohol?

• Duty-Free at the airport: Upon arrival, a maximum of 4 liters of spirits or 2 cartons of beer (24 cans). The cheapest option!
• Licensed shops: African + Eastern (A+E) and Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI) are the major chains. Since 2024, you need the "Barcode" app (free registration) to purchase.

Alcohol and Driving

Zero tolerance: 0.0 per mille. No glass of wine, no beer. No exception. The penalty: Fine, license suspension, imprisonment, in the worst case deportation. Uber/Taxi is the only option after drinking.