Dubai Drinking Laws – The Quick Guide

If you’re planning a night out in Dubai, you need to know the basics about alcohol. The UAE sets a legal drinking age of 21, and you’ll only find alcohol in licensed venues like hotels, clubs, and private members’ bars. Anything outside these spots is a no‑go, and the penalties can be steep.

Where You’re Allowed to Drink

All hotels with a liquor license serve beer, wine and spirits. Look for the star rating – five‑star hotels usually have a wide selection, while three‑star places may limit you to beer and wine. Nightclubs and beach clubs also have licenses, but they’re mostly attached to a hotel or a free‑zone complex. If you’re a non‑resident, you can buy alcohol from the few official liquor stores, but you’ll need a special permit that is usually issued only to expatriates with a Dubai residency visa.

Public parks, beaches, and streets are strictly off‑limits for drinking. Even if you’re at a hotel pool, you must stay within the poolside bar area; stepping out with an open drink can land you a fine. The same rule applies to taxis and ride‑share rides – no alcohol consumption while the vehicle is moving.

What You Mustn’t Do

Bringing alcohol into the country without declaring it is illegal. You can bring up to 4 liters of wine or 2 liters of spirits for personal use, but you must declare it at customs and pay the required duties. Anything beyond that is seized, and you could face a hefty fine or even jail time.

Driving under the influence is taken very seriously. The legal blood‑alcohol limit is 0.0% for most drivers, and 0.05% for professional drivers. Police use breathalyzers, and a first‑offence DUI can result in a fine of up to AED 20,000, a 6‑month license suspension, and possible imprisonment.

During Ramadan, the rules tighten considerably. Most hotels and clubs stop serving alcohol from sunrise to sunset. Some upscale venues keep a discreet “off‑ramadan” lounge, but you’ll need to be a hotel guest and the service is limited. Violating Ramadan drinking hours can lead to fines and, in rare cases, a short jail term.

Lastly, avoid flaunting your drink in public. Even a bottle of water that looks like a beer can draw a warning. The UAE’s public decency laws are strict, and police can confiscate the alcohol, issue a ticket, or ask you to leave the area.

Bottom line: stick to licensed hotels, respect the age limit, declare any alcohol you bring in, and be extra careful during Ramadan. Follow these simple rules and you’ll enjoy Dubai’s nightlife without a hassle.