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Hello! 👋
If you’re heading to Dubai and wondering where and how to buy alcohol, you’ve come to the right place. It might seem straightforward, but the UAE has specific regulations that you should follow to avoid any trouble.
In this guide, we’ll explain where you can legally buy alcohol, whether tourists need a permit, and what to watch out for. While you can enjoy a drink in Dubai, the process isn’t as straightforward as in most European countries.
If you want to avoid any trouble, check out this step-by-step guide to buying alcohol in Dubai. 🍷
What are the rules here?
In Dubai, you can buy and drink drinks, but you need to know where and under what conditions to avoid any issues. Unlike in many countries, you can’t just walk into any store and grab a bottle of wine.
The most important rules about alcohol
- ✔ 21+ only – If you’re under 21, forget about buying alcohol. Bars and liquor stores often ask for ID to verify your age.
- ✔ Drinking only in designated areas – Alcohol can only be consumed in licensed bars, hotels, and restaurants. Drinking on the beach, in the park or on the street? Definitely out.
- ✔ Zero tolerance for drinking and driving – Even the smallest amount of alcohol in your system can lead to serious consequences. It’s best to take a taxi or book an Uber right away.
- ✔ Purchases only in licensed stores – You won’t find beer or whiskey in supermarkets or gas stations. There are specialized liquor stores for that—but more on that in a moment.
- ✔ Public intoxication is a no-go – If you get too cheerful after a few drinks in public, you might run into trouble. It’s best to stay moderate and head back to your hotel before things get complicated.
Where can you buy alcohol in Dubai?
If you think you can buy alcohol in any random supermarket in Dubai—that’s not how it works. The sale of alcoholic beverages is strictly regulated and only available in designated locations.
Licensed liquor stores
Dubai has specialized liquor stores, but you won’t find them on every corner. The two biggest chains are:
Bars, restaurants and hotels
If you’re not looking to buy alcohol to take away, the easiest option is to order a drink at a bar, restaurant, or hotel. Of course, these places must have a liquor license—but most tourist-friendly spots do.
What should you avoid?
🚫 Illegal sales – Never buy alcohol under the table or from private sellers. You could face hefty fines or worse, as selling alcohol without a license is strictly punished in Dubai.
Under current law, individuals involved in the illegal sale of alcohol can face fines of up to 500,000 AED and potential imprisonment.
Additionally, selling alcohol to anyone under 21 is strictly prohibited. Those caught offering or selling alcohol to minors can face fines ranging from 100 to 500,000 AED, along with possible imprisonment.
It’s also important to remember that alcohol consumption is only allowed in private spaces and licensed bars and restaurants. Anyone caught drinking in unauthorized public places can face a fine of up to 100,000 AED and up to six months in prison.
What does it take to purchase alcohol?
Many sources claim that tourists can buy liquor without a license, but our experience in January 2025 proved otherwise. When making a purchase, we were asked for a license, even though it’s officially not required.
Below, we explain where and how to legally buy alcoholic beverages in Dubai, along with some key things to keep in mind to avoid any unexpected surprises. ⬇️
Create an account on LicenseDXB
To register on LicenseDXB, first, visit the registration page and have your passport ready, as it will be required to complete the form. Next, enter your personal details, including your full name, passport number, and visa type. Before submitting, double-check all the information to ensure accuracy.
After submitting the form, you just need to wait for automatic approval. Once your registration is accepted, you’ll receive email confirmation, allowing you to legally purchase beverages in licensed stores across Dubai.
Choose a store
After registering on LicenseDXB, it’s time to choose your preferred store for shopping. Dubai has two main licensed alcohol retailers:
Both chains offer a wide selection of products, and their prices are quite similar. Choose the store closest to your location and head over for your purchase.
Select products
Once inside the store, you can freely browse the selection—MMI and African + Eastern offer a wide range of products, from spirits and wines to beers from around the world.
Don’t expect prices similar to those in Poland or other European countries. Adult beverages in Dubai is more expensive, and the prices might surprise you—especially if you’re used to shopping in countries without high taxes on these products.
Show your license and pay for your purchases
At the checkout, you’ll be asked to show your license. This is a barcode generated on LicenseDXB, which the cashier will scan to verify your eligibility for the purchase.
🛒 Payment: Most stores accept both card and cash, but it’s a good idea to double-check beforehand, especially if you’re using a foreign card.
Take a look at our other posts
Since we’ve already had one beer, maybe it’s time for another round of interesting facts about the Emirates? 🍻 But don’t worry, we’re not getting behind the wheel—we’re adults, and we know the rules.
We encourage you to check out our other posts about the United Arab Emirates, where we share our experiences, interesting places, and practical tips.
