Dubai Alcohol Law 2025: Quick Guide for Tourists and Expats

If you’re planning a night out in Dubai, the first thing to check is the local alcohol rulebook. It’s not as strict as most think, but ignoring the details can land you a fine or a night in jail. Below you’ll find the must‑know points, broken down so you can enjoy the city without a hitch.

Where You Can Drink Legally

Only venues with a liquor license are allowed to serve alcohol. That means hotels, licensed bars, clubs, and a handful of specialist restaurants. You won’t find booze at street stalls or regular supermarkets. For tourists, the easiest spots are the hotel bars and big‑name clubs in Marina, Downtown, and Palm Jumeirah. If you’re staying in an apartment, you can buy alcohol from stores like the African + Eastern or the Emirates Liquor Store – just make sure you have a valid UAE residency visa or a tourist passport with a 30‑day entry stamp.

When you order, expect a cover charge at many clubs; it covers the license cost and keeps the crowd in check. Also, keep in mind that drinking in public places – beaches, parks, or streets – is illegal. Even a quick sip after a beach walk can get you a fine.

Age Limits, Ramadan Rules, and Penalties

The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21. Staff will ask for ID, so carry your passport or Emirates ID. Violating the age rule can mean a hefty fine, loss of license for the venue, or even a short jail term.

Ramadan changes the game. During the holy month, most licensed venues either stop serving alcohol or limit service to private rooms after sunset. Some five‑star hotels keep a bar open but only for non‑Muslim guests and only after Iftar. Check the venue’s Ramadan schedule before you head out – the same place that’s open all year might be closed for drinks in August.

If you’re caught drinking in an unlicensed area, you face a fine of up to AED 5,000 and possible detention. Public intoxication is also punishable, so know your limit. The city’s “6‑drink rule” isn’t law, but many clubs enforce it to avoid trouble.

For expats living in Dubai, the best practice is to keep alcohol consumption to licensed venues, respect the age limit, and adapt to Ramadan. When you’re unsure, ask the staff – they’re used to tourists asking these questions.

Bottom line: you can have a great night out, just follow the licensing map, respect the age rule, and be aware of the Ramadan shift. That way you’ll enjoy Dubai’s nightlife without any surprise from the authorities.