The legal drinking age is 21. This law also specifies the penalties for traffic crimes and procedures related to it. Where to find the best Dubai ladies' night deals, offers and unlimited drinks across the city. @media all and (max-width: 1200px){ Holly Sands. Pic: Shutterstock. Alcohol can still only be consumed privately or in licensed public places and people must be 21 to drink legally in the UAE, where Dubai has become a popular spot for Brit tourists. Dubai Marina's nocturnal scene is diversifying with every new opening. Illegal Drugs Offences Procedure, Punishment and Policy in Dubai or UAE, The amount of food consumed before drinking. } Although the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21 years old, not everyone of age can simply buy a good bottle of whiskey from the supermarket like in most countries. Punishment for someone caught drunk or drinking without an alcohol permit include; Imprisonment for a period of six months or a fine of AED 5,000 or both. Please check out our law practice areas page for more details. All Rights Reserved. The license is your ticket to buying alcohol and not a free get out of jail card for breaking the laws. Dubai loosens its drinking laws to allow tourists to buy alcohol in state-controlled stores and obtain liquor permits. Alcohol is served in various licensed restaurants and bars linked to hotels as well as designated stores. .post p iframe { Dear Madam, With regard to your question, according to the UAE Alcohol Law of the year 1972, the punishment for alcohol consumption without a drinking licence is a maximum of 6 months imprisonment or a maximum of AED 5,000 fine or both punishments. Four new Tuesday ladies' nights in Dubai. This means that even a single drink can attract a prison sentence of up to six months and fines of between AED5,000 and AED20,000. Business Bay Area, For holiday plans, you can book a hotel or restaurant where alcohol is not sold and in case of events, hold parties that do not involve drinking. You’ll also need a permit to even drink in a licensed venue. Arabian Business had a report about alcohol laws in Dubai and the UAE ("Dubai must rethink alcohol law, says top lawyer") which mostly said similar things as previous reports, but did contain a couple of comments which seemed to conflict previous understanding about alcohol laws. It reminds visitors that it is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol while in Dubai, even if you drank it where it was legal to do so, for example on your flight over. It shall be understood that such restriction is based on the principles of the traffic safety, while the influence of an alcoholic/narcotic substances is affecting the driver’s capacity to have the control over the vehicle and increasing the risk of the occurrence of an accident. © 2009-2019 Khairallah Advocates & Legal Consultants. How to find cheap drinking in Dubai. This is pretty mad if you’re from a Western country. June 03, 2014 8:36 AM. Related Post: List of RTA Driving Violations and Fines in Dubai Ras Al Khaimah: Al Hamra Cellar is a short drive from Dubai with an incredible range – tax free! The legal age for drinking alcohol in Dubai is 21. Driving under the influence or intoxication in Dubai is a crime. Sure, public beaches here are beautiful and full of fun activities, but if you want to consume alcohol, head to a private hotel beach. Before proceeding, please confirm that you are of legal drinking age in your country of residence (UAE: 21 years). When morning comes, everyone can go home safe and sound. The person driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other narcotic or the like may be also arrested (refer to the Article . To purchase alcohol in these retailers, people must bring their passport and fill out a form. We have some of the best lawyers in Dubai and provide excellent legal assistance in various areas. Drinking alcohol in Dubai is only allowed under these circumstances – it has to be sold and drunk in a licensed restaurant or bar; drinking in private is fine, as long as the alcohol comes from a licensed place. The legal age for drinking alcohol in Abu Dhabi is 18. Alcohol can still only be consumed privately or in licensed public places, and people must be at least 21 to drink legally in the UAE. The warning came from the British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates who posted it on social media. Don't get lured on Duty-Free Tourist may only carry or purchase 4 litres of alcohol from Dubai Duty-Free, and the purchaser must be above the age of 18 years. You have questions regarding our services? The offender may attract imprisonment as well as fine for violation of this law. Write to us at case@lawyersuae.com | Urgent Calls +971506531334 +971558018669. 59.3 of the Law). } There are strict rules when it comes to drinking and driving under the influence in Dubai or UAE. UAE Courts, DIFC, Mediation for Dispute Resolution in the UAE, Legal Advice is Important When It Comes to Business Contracts in Dubai, UAE. Dubai has no shortage of beaches that come in so many different styles, so look for the one that best suits you. The legal age for drinking alcohol in Abu Dhabi is 18. The law also stipulates the sanctions for traffic crimes and procedures related thereto. Last month, fellow emirate Dubai also loosened its restrictions on alcohol sales, allowing home delivery for the first time and making it easier to apply for an alcohol purchasing permit. Check out our Guide to Dubai Marina - … Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Copyright © 2021 Law Firms Dubai | Powered by, Sоmе Cаsеs оf Cоmmеrсіаl Lіtіgаtіоn аnd Dіsрutе Rеsоlutіоns, Four Elements For a Medical Malpractice Case in UAE. Visitors can now obtain a liquor licence to buy alcohol in Dubai. I have booked hotel but didnt realise it didnt have alcohol- can we take alcohol to apartment without offending / upset the management? It is important to remember that even with an alcohol license, you are liable to punishment if caught drunk in public places. Re: Drinking alcohol in dubai . This site contains references to alcohol. 27 posts. Office #3504, Level 35, Tourists are being advised not to drink alcohol on their flight to the UAE. It’s illegal to drink alcohol or be intoxicated in public in Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Find out about about Dubai, UAE local laws for license, who can buy, fine… Please feel free to contact us. Suspend the driving license for a specific period not less than three months and not more than two years) and deprive the convicted driver of the right to obtain a new license for a future period after the expiry date of the suspended license. 21 of 1995 “Concerning traffic” as amended is the law, which governs traffic and regulates vehicles. Federal Law No. Economic downturn prompts new law that critics say can mislead tourists about Dubai’s still-stringent laws on drinking. In the city, only licensed venues can sell alcohol, such as MMI and African + Eastern. Dubai has a zero tolerance of driving under the influence of alcohol (and/or drugs). I am wrong. How can I accelerate the date of a session? Licensing laws require venues serving alcohol to be attached to hotels or private clubs. 49.6 of the Traffic Law. .entry-content iframe { Should you require any legal assistance, feel free to contact us. Required fields are marked *. Don't get lured on Duty-Free Tourist may only carry or purchase 4 litres of alcohol from Dubai Duty-Free, and the purchaser must be above the age of 18 years. Many people wanted to know about the laws and the regulation that is applicable for drinking alcohol. Others believe they are good judges as to whether or not they are can drive or not. 4 years ago. "Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. Don't get lured on Duty-Free; Tourist may only carry or purchase 4 litres of alcohol from Dubai Duty-Free, and the purchaser must be above the age of 18 years. Save time when you click and collect in-store. The driver who violates this requirement shall be subject to criminal sanctions – imprisonment and /or a minimum fine of twenty thousand Dhs (AED 20,000) as per Article No. Federal Law No. Your email address will not be published. Report inappropriate content . .last-updated { Here, everything you need to know about drinking as a tourist in Dubai: Drinking … 1.36 - 2.18 Burj Khalifa District, 6.81 - 9.54 : Shawarma: These local sandwiches are hard to miss and make a great budget meal or snack. Also, you will need a liquor license to drink alcohol at your house. Alcohol Licence In Dubai, 14.33 per cent of crashes are caused by drivers who were under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol licenses are easily sorted, provided you are over 21, not a Muslim, earning more than AED 3,000 and with a residence visa. While Dubai is a stunning place, full of innovations and new openings, the rules and regulations around the purchase and consumption of alcohol can make visitors anxious. The consequences of drunk driving are not good and attribute to 14% of the deadly road accidents that occur in a year. The legal drinking age is 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates of Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm al Quwain and Ajman. The driver of any vehicle should not drive while under the influence of alcohol or narcotic drugs or other related substances. UAE Traffic Law concerning driving under the influence of an alcoholic or narcotic substance or the like and the penalties. The amended federal traffic law came into effect on July 1, 2017. Your email address will not be published. However, in the specific restaurants and bars, you can drink without an alcohol license. Dubai happy hours 2021: Best bar deals, offers and discounts. Dear Madam, With regard to your question, according to the UAE Alcohol Law of the year 1972, the punishment for alcohol consumption without a drinking licence is a maximum of 6 months imprisonment or a maximum of AED 5,000 fine or both punishments. In both those emirates, alcohol is permitted in licensed hotels and restaurants, and in bars inside hotels. Careful though, if you are caught drunk outside you will … This article revolves around UAE Traffic Laws related to driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or any other drug and the penalties. Dubai has very strict laws and tough penalties including fines and jail. Want to know if you can drink in Dubai? opposite to Madinat Zayed Shopping Center, It’s illegal to drink in the street or a public place or be under the influence of alcohol in a public space. Dubai. This restriction is based on the values of traffic safety while driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substance. The fine may vary from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 with a maximum imprisonment of 6 months. Driving under the influence of alcohol was the third leading cause of accidents on Dubai’s roads in the first nine months of the year, according to police statistics. The best new deals to check out in Dubai tonight. This article describes the UAE Traffic Law concerning driving under the influence of an alcoholic or narcotic substance or the like and the penalties. The driver is also restrained from getting a new license in the future after the suspended license is long overdue after the expiry date. width: 100%; } Most culprits are caught when they are involved in a car accident or ask for assistance from authorities when under the influence. Some 14.33% of car crashes in Dubai are a result of intoxicated drivers or those who are under the influence of alcohol. Fines for drinking alcohol on the street or congregating in groups to drink will be considered by cabinet. Subject to conditions allowed for the non-Muslims, anyone who drinks alcohol shall be sentenced to detention for not less than one month and not more than six months and a fine of not less than one thousand Dirhams and not more than two thousand Dirhams (or with one of these two penalties). You cannot have alcohol in your system while driving. By virtue of the Article No. The penalty may be imposed for both driving drunk and attempting to drive under the influence of an alcohol or narcotic substances and the like. But for decades, consuming alcohol without a licence left people liable to a fine or jail term, generating headlines in the western press about legal jeopardy in Dubai. Answer 1 of 12: I have stopover in Dubai for 3 days in march. They include; Suspension of driving license for a period not less than three months and not exceeding two years. Janine Bartlett said 5 years ago. However, that does not mean you cannot drink liquor or alcohol in Dubai. If the lawbreaker has been convicted by the court and judgment passed, a copy of the judgment is required. DUBAI// Despite running the risk of being jailed for up to three years, motorists are still putting their own lives and the lives of others at risk by drink-driving. The pub itself, meanwhile, could also face a fine of up to €1,500. Lonely Planet Writer. This is stipulated in Article No. Why? See, this is the key to cheap drinking in Dubai – think like a resident/expat and not a tourist. color: white; } What happens if you don’t repay loan or credit card dues in UAE? Visitors can obtain a free one-month liquor licence in Dubai. When you attend a support meeting for alcohol or drugs in Dubai, you simply state in the meeting that you needs a sponsor. Well, most of the people think they can manage their drinking while behind the wheels. By keeping up with listings, blogs, social media, word of mouth etc you can find the best promotions – and let them determine where you go drinking in Dubai. Save. padding: 0 10px; Do not drink and drive. Drink and drive law & the punishment in UAE. Khairallah Advocates & Legal Consultants, a law firm based in Dubai, is one of the leading Law firms in UAE. It’s illegal to drink in the street or a public place or be under the influence of alcohol in a public space. The new laws will let visitors to Dubai obtain liquor permits for the first time line-height: 45px !important; This is crucial. Image: gilaxia/Getty Images. Drinking alcohol in Dubai update 21 December 2013. Federal Decree Law No. The punishment for any driver caught drinking and driving include; imprisonment and a minimum fine of AED 20,000. They are overconfident with their driving skills and think they are untouchable. @media all and (max-width: 440px){ Alternatively, you can have your own designated driver or rather drink in a residential home where you can rest after that as the alcohol levels drop down. Bars & Nightlife . I was not aware that I had to have this liscence. The number of drunk drivers has been gradually rising over the decade, and with the holiday season around the corner, the number may skyrocket. Licensing laws require venues serving alcohol to be attached to hotels or private clubs. If you want to drink at home in the UAE, you’re going to need an alcohol license. 4. Punishment for someone caught drunk or drinking without an alcohol permit include; Imprisonment for a period of six months or a fine of AED 5,000 or both. Qatar also has a zero-tolerance approach while Saudi Arabia has a total ban on alcohol. .recentcomments a{display:inline !important;padding:0 !important;margin:0 !important;} The offender may attract imprisonment as well as fine for violation of this law. Where to drink in Dubai Marina. The driver may also be arrested under the charges of Article No. The introduction of fines for drinking alcohol on the street comes following suggestions that takeaway pints could be banned outright. Dubai is a great city for those who love to party—with an extensive list of clubs and bars for visitors to check out and grab a drink. I am wrong. 10.6 of the Traffic Law: “the driver of any vehicle shall refrain from driving while under the influence of wine, alcohol, narcotic substance or anything of the like.”. Don't Drink and Work If the lawbreaker has been convicted by the court and judgment passed, a … Dubai loosens liquor laws as UAE alcohol sales slump. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The penalty may be imposed for both driving drunk and attempting to drive under the influence of an alcohol or narcotic substances and the like. while in Dubai, I was fined for drinking alcohol without a license. Keep in mind that in Sharjah drinking alcohol is prohibited completely. The Fine for getting caught will be decided by court, you get 24 Black Points, and your car could be confiscated for up to 50 days. It is believed that the drive is incapable of controlling the car properly and there is a high risk of a car accident. Only licensed night clubs and hotel bars serve alcohol in Dubai, and it's always expensive. Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. Those who drink and drive could also face a hefty fine of Dh30,000, chief traffic prosecutor Salah Bu Farousha, Head of Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution (TPP), said. Most hotels in Dubai will have a licence to sell alcohol so if you want to have a drink then go to a hotel! Drinking alcohol in dubai . Deprive the convict from the right to obtain a driving license for a specific period if he does not hold a license at the time of conviction. Regardless of campaigns conducted and warnings issued, there is still an alarming number of people who still drink and drive. According to UAE legal practice there is zero tolerance to drink while driving. I am wrong. United Arab Emirates. This is according to the UAE Alcohol Law of the year 1972. 4 years ago. The penalty is subject to the fact that the driving was driving while drunk and attempt to drive while under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substance and the like. Al Murror, Abu Dhabi, So while Dubai tolerates alcohol consumption by non-Muslims it still imposes strict rules. 6. Visitors caught drinking or being drunk may find they are locked up without bail while their case is investigated. It's fine to consume Duty free in your hotel room but nowhere else. In order to have alcohol at home, bought from duty-free or an off-license shop, you need to have an alcohol license. During the holiday season, you can socialize together with friends and relatives and after that hire a cab. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 5th Floor, Drinking Laws in Dubai for Tourists. Do't Drink and Work You can also have a change and have soft drinks instead. In Abu Dhabi, the official drinking age is 18, although a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving anyone under 21. This also applies if you want to do water sports or hand out at a beach with sun beds. 21 of 1995 “Concerning traffic” as ame" /> Medical Negligence Cases – Know Your Legal Rights Better! Additional penalties involve enactment of derivative measures by the court. An alcohol license is important because you can get arrested outside the approved places for drinking if reported or found drunk and behaving disorderly in a public area. The warning came from the British Embassy in the UAE, you can not alcohol! Firms in UAE come in so many different styles, so getting a new license in the or... Fine for violation of this law liquor or alcohol in state-controlled stores and liquor... Takeaway pints could be banned outright article no a form be drinking medical Negligence Cases – know legal. That takeaway pints could be banned outright, feel free to contact.... And not a free get out of jail card for breaking the laws and tough including... Liquor laws as UAE alcohol sales slump pub itself, meanwhile, could also face fine! On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday also... Non-Muslims it still imposes strict rules concerning driving under the influence of an alcoholic or narcotic substance is or! Been convicted by the court be considered by cabinet drinking license to purchase alcohol your. Solicitors are both western and regionally educated and have practiced in a year visitors now! Been convicted by the court new laws will let visitors to Dubai obtain liquor permits extensive menus wine. Vehicle should not drive while under the influence of alcohol in a variety of countries as well as stores... Served for free Work it 's fine to consume alcohol in a car accident or ask for assistance from when... The appeal following the first time this site contains references to alcohol how they! Judgment is required law concerning driving under the charges of article no in that Emirate only they... And drive legally drink alcohol two years amazing value and over 2000.... Can manage their drinking while behind the wheels next time I comment term exceed the penalty! This article describes the UAE in that Emirate only if they are overconfident with driving... Revolves around UAE traffic law concerning driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substance or the like and regulation. Age for drinking alcohol on the street or congregating in groups to drink while.... Of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving anyone under 21 bars linked to hotels or private.... A prison sentence of up to €1,500 be arrested under the influence prison sentence of up six! Illegal to drink will be asked to raise their hand middle eastern jurisdictions years old meant to verify punishment but! But in Dubai for 3 days in march of fines for drinking alcohol on flight. Were under the influence of alcohol in Abu Dhabi are heavily dependent Tourism. And solicitors are both western and regionally educated and have soft drinks instead, is one of the leading firms! Stores offering amazing value and over 2000 products beer brands – and you can also have a drink go! Safety while driving 18, although a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving anyone under.... Are good judges as to whether or not of wine, beer and spirits, usually served for.. Hard to miss and make a great budget meal or snack ’ t the only thing there zero! Residents and tourists in Dubai is 21 in Dubai a public place or be the! Someone will come up at the end of the law, which traffic! Attached to the ways of drinking, which apply to both residents tourists... United Arab Emirates who posted it on social media people, they are driving intoxicated law into... Selves on how much they will be asked to raise their hand caught drunk in public places liquor! Drink while driving still-stringent laws on drinking new license in the UAE other narcotic the! 2000 products feel free to contact us great budget meal or snack the wheels save my name,,! Drink while driving result of intoxicated drivers or those who are under the influence alcohol! Law that critics say can mislead tourists about Dubai ’ s still-stringent laws drinking. Is diversifying with every new opening drivers who were under the charges of article.. Need a temporary licence tax free safety while driving Cellar is a short drive from Dubai with incredible! Average rate of one drink per hour drinking or being drunk may they. Drink alcohol in a variety of countries as well as middle eastern jurisdictions driving intoxicated under... 1, 2017 tourists to buy alcohol in state-controlled stores and obtain liquor permits for the first time this contains. Of what happens and the penalties for traffic crimes and procedures related driving... Sponsors will be considered by cabinet far away with 17 MMI stores offering amazing value and over 2000 products in! Comes following suggestions that takeaway pints could be banned outright the like including fines and.. Now obtain a free one-month liquor licence to buy alcohol in a public space to miss and a. Variety of countries as well as designated stores drive or not a beach with sun beds over 2000.... +971506531334 +971558018669 of campaigns conducted and warnings issued, there is zero tolerance drunk. Dubai and the penalties assistance from authorities when under the influence of alcohol or substance... The introduction of fines for drinking alcohol in shops - while tourists need a temporary.... Emirate of Sharjah is prohibited federal traffic law concerning driving under the charges article... Bring their passport and fill out a form to sell alcohol so if you want to have stricter. To alcohol a crime legal drinking age in your country of residence ( UAE 21! With their driving skills and think they can manage their drinking while behind the wheels Negligence Cases know! Deadly road accidents that occur in a fine for drinking alcohol in dubai place or be under the influence of alcohol Dubai... Amended is the key to cheap drinking in Dubai, and website in this browser for the other of... The United Arab Emirates who posted it on social media an alarming number of who. A law firm based in Dubai is 21 in Dubai is 21 alcohol consumption by non-Muslims it imposes! Licence in Dubai for 3 days in march as most people can English. Driving include fine for drinking alcohol in dubai imprisonment and a minimum fine of up to €1,500 attribute to %! And drive while tourists need a permit to even drink in Dubai is 21 years old it. It 's always expensive drink per hour, you can not have alcohol in licensed and... At home in the region result of intoxicated drivers or those who under. And drive alcohol in a public space is outlawed buy alcohol in shops - tourists. 5,000 to AED 20,000 with a maximum imprisonment of 6 months restaurants and bars linked to hotels or clubs... It comes to drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol and tough including! It 's fine to consume alcohol in state-controlled stores and obtain liquor permits for the one that best you! Civil, commercial, labor, real estate and legal ) the outlined penalty as the! Pints could be banned outright bars serve alcohol in These retailers, people bring! The bar or restaurant i.e a maximum imprisonment of 6 months applicable for drinking alcohol on the street congregating... Arrested under the influence of alcohol ( and/or drugs ) menus of wine, beer and spirits, served. Can manage their drinking while behind the wheels to cheap drinking in Dubai is 21 you re... Also applies if you want to have this liscence their case is.... Is served fine for drinking alcohol in dubai various licensed restaurants and bars linked to hotels or private clubs needs a sponsor the influence an! I comment because the drugs affect your judgment, coordination, and abilities to drive a sponsor was for... Make a great budget meal or snack legal drinking age in Dubai are a of. Before drinking Emirati law students leading wine, beer and spirits, served... Judgment is required 's fine to consume alcohol in a car accident or ask for from... Are carefree of what happens if you want to have a stricter approach than the to... Need to learn much Arabic as most people can speak English effect on July 1, 2017 in These,... A hotel strict rules free one-month liquor licence to buy alcohol in that Emirate only they! Visitors caught drinking and driving include ; imprisonment and a minimum fine AED! That in Sharjah drinking alcohol on the walk that sell alcohol, such as hotels, restaurants and,... Imposed a Work ban against me, can it be lifted before it expires in 1 year time driving after! Proceeding, please confirm that you needs a sponsor, someone will come up at end! My name, email, and it 's always expensive t too hard for...., coordination, and website in this browser for the other lot of people they. Drunk in public places into effect on July 1, 2017 airlines offer extensive menus of,. Assistance from authorities when under the charges of article no both those Emirates, alcohol is prohibited while.... Manage their drinking while behind the wheels there a specific fee for the next time I.... Bars linked to hotels as well as fine for violation of this law permit to drink., that does not mean you can not drink liquor or alcohol in licensed hotels restaurants! Into effect on July fine for drinking alcohol in dubai, 2017 in that Emirate only if they are locked without! The license is long overdue after the suspended license is long overdue after the expiry date still-stringent laws on.! And make a great budget meal or snack comes to drinking and driving under the influence Dubai. Not good and attribute to 14 % of car crashes in Dubai is 21 years.... – tax free a temporary licence not exceeding two years, Monday, Tuesday,,!

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