The UAE as a Muslim country, implements Sharia law which prohibits the purchase and consumption of alcohol. However, the UAE authorities are aware that drinking alcohol is popular among huge number of expatriates who are non-Muslims, so for that reason the UAE sets rules for purchasing and drinking alcohol. Alcohol cannot be purchased in supermarkets but there are several locations that sell alcohol all over the UAE. Hotels and sports clubs in all Emirates (except Sharjah) are allowed to serve alcoholic drinks in their bars and restaurants. Independent restaurants do not serve alcohol. The sale, consumption or possession of alcohol is fully prohibited in Sharjah.
To purchase alcohol for home consumption, you will require a license. The license will allow you to spend a certain amount of salary per month from one of two licensed companies in Dubai: African and Eastern (A&E) or Mercantile Maritime International (MMI). Both have numerous branches around Dubai.
Applying for Your License
- With your companies authorization, Move One can do this on your behalf.
- Expatriates, who wish to apply for Liquor License, should submit an application along with the required documents at any branch of A&E or MMI.
- The application form has to be completed, stamped and signed by the employer and applicant.
- If your company is registered in a freezone you will also require additional approval from the freezone authority.
- You can not apply for a liquor license if your company does not support its employees consuming alcohol.
- The liquor store will process the application through Dubai Police on behalf of the applicant. Processing time is up to three weeks.
- Married couples: only the husband can apply. The wife will be allowed to apply with written agreement (No objection letter) from her husband, if both her and her husband are non-Muslim.
- A married couple can share one Liquor license. The wife’s details will be uploaded in the card chip upon applicant’s request.
- Passport copy with residence visa page as well as her photo will be required. Once the application has been approved the wife will be permitted to purchase alcohol without her husband’s presence. Your liquor license is not transferable and cannot be used by other persons.
Monthly Allowance
- Once approved, the applicant will be given a monthly amount that can be spent on purchasing alcohol.
- The amount is based on salary, age, job title and size of family.
Validity
- Your Liquor license is valid for one year.
- You will be required to reproduce the required documents on renewal .
- Muslims cannot apply
- A residence visas is required
- A minimum monthly salary of AED
- 3,000 is required
- Minimum age is 21 years
Fee
- The annual cost for a liquor license is AED 160
- The cost to renew your license is also AED 160
- Where to buy alcohol in Dubai and in UAE:
- Dubai: Only license holders can purchase alcohol at branches of A&E or MMI throughout Dubai (please see info table below). Apart from the liquor license, no other document will be required. Municipality tax of 30% is added on price of all alcohol drinks in the shop. Both shops stock a wide range of alcohol.
Liquor License Facilities
- Al Karama 04 334 8056 Al Karama 04 335 1722
- Al Wasl 04 394 2672 Al Wasl 04 394 0351
- Arabian Ranches 04 360 6620 Bur Dubai 04 393 4361
- Bur Dubai 04 352 4521 Deira 04 294 0390
- Deira 04 222 2666 Green Community 04 885 4550
- Jumeira 04 349 0246 Ibn Battuta Mall 04 368 5626
- Marina 04 368 3981 Mall of the Emirates 04 341 0371
- Mirdif 04 288 2715 Sheikh Zayed Road 04 321 1223
- Ras Al Khaimah 07 236 334 Silicon Oasis 04 326 4583
- Trade Centre Road 04 352 3091
- Cellar Saver (MMI) 07 244 7403 (close to RAK Ceramics)
- A&E
- MMI
