Alcohol Limit in Dubai: The Quick Facts You Should Know

If you’re heading to Dubai and want to enjoy a drink, you’ll need to know the local limits. The city allows alcohol, but only in certain places and under strict rules. Below we break down the key points so you can have a good time without any surprise fines.

Where You Can Drink and How Much

Only licensed venues – hotels, clubs, bars and private residences with a permit – can serve alcohol. You can’t buy a bottle from a regular supermarket; you need to go to a duty‑free shop at the airport or a licensed liquor store. The typical personal allowance is up to 4 liters of alcohol for a single trip, but many hotels cap the amount you can bring to their rooms.

If you stay in a hotel, ask the front desk about their specific policy. Some high‑end properties let you order wine or champagne from their menu and will deliver it to your room. Others restrict the volume to a few bottles per stay. In any case, you must keep the drinks inside your private space – public consumption outside licensed areas is a fine.

Driving and Blood Alcohol Limits

Driving under the influence is taken very seriously. The legal blood‑alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.0% for all drivers. That means even a single beer can put you over the limit if you plan to drive. Police conduct random breath tests, and the penalties include heavy fines, license suspension, and possibly jail time.

So if you’re thinking about a night out, arrange a taxi, ride‑share, or have a friend who isn’t drinking take the wheel. The city’s public transport runs late, and many hotels offer shuttle services that operate after midnight.

Another thing to watch out for is the Ramadan period. During this month, alcohol sales are often suspended, and even the few venues that stay open may have extra restrictions. Check local news or ask your hotel before you book a bottle.

In short, enjoy your drink at a licensed spot, respect the personal‑use limits, keep your BAC at zero if you’re behind the wheel, and you’ll stay on the right side of the law. Have a great time in Dubai and sip responsibly!