Alcohol

Alcohol is legal but strictly regulated in the UAE. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you can order alcohol in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants — however, prices are high (beer 40–70 AED/10–17 EUR, cocktail 60–100 AED/15–25 EUR).

Where to buy: Cheapest at duty-free upon arrival (max. 4 liters of spirits or 2 cartons of beer). Licensed shops: African + Eastern (A+E) and MMI — you need the free "Barcode" app for purchase.

Where not: Alcohol consumption is prohibited in public (street, beach, park). In the entire emirate of Sharjah, there is no alcohol — not even in hotels.

Driving: 0.0 blood alcohol level, no tolerance. Penalty: imprisonment, deportation, license revocation.

Public drunkenness: Punishable. Even if you "only" come from a bar — behave discreetly.