Covid-19 rules in Dubai: all the updates you need to be aware of, 16 of the best beach bars in Dubai for sundowners, Where to get the Covid-19 vaccine in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. Non-Muslim. In September, the emirate ended the alcohol licence system for residents. It said customers must be at least 21 and the purchase should be for personal use, not resale, and that alcohol should be consumed in private homes or licensed areas only. MMI has not received any official rule changes from the UAE government in terms of allowing customers to purchase alcohol without a liquor license. Residents will no longer need an alcohol license to consume alcohol in a private or authorised space. The announcement comes after the liquor license system was updated to make the application process smoother, and available to more people. But what does it mean for residents and tourists? 4. Until summer 2019, tourists and visitors could not apply for an alcohol licence. The cost of the license will remain AED 270. Getty Images, There are a number of amendments seeking to protect the rights of women. Bars and restaurants do not ask to see licences. What the new law does is create potential revenue through the granting of licences, and further mislead people into thinking that they can buy and consume alcohol without any risks. Not everyone can avail a liquor license in Abu Dhabi. Dubai: Tourists who enjoy a tipple can now purchase their own alcohol and consume it after obtaining a 30-day licence issued to them to them free of cost. An Alcohol Licence (or License) gives expats in Dubai and the UAE permission to drink alcohol - they need a residence visa before applying for an alcohol license. A person must be at least 21 to drink legally in the UAE. According to Commercial Permit Guidebook issued by Department of Economic Development - Dubai, it is not permitted to promote tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol. Tourists can still get a free 30-day license to purchase alcohol while they’re on holiday in Dubai, they simply need to take their passport with valid visit visa into the store to receive the license. Alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licensed public places. That happened rarely, but will no longer be enforced at all under the new law. Monthly salary over AED 3,000. A person must be at least 21 to drink legally in the UAE. Dubai Bus Routes List – 2019 – 2020 . No further changes were announced to the system in Dubai, other than those made in the summer, that require Dubai residents with alcohol licences to apply for a new card from September. Rules like these are enforced only when tourists start creating problems. 3. Alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licensed public places. All Alcohol Licence holders need to be registered on the new system by 31 st August 2020. It is not difficult to get a special license for alcohol in Abu Dhabi Rules for obtaining a liquor license in Abu Dhabi . Emirates resumes flights to Australia with fewer passengers, Two gyms and a department store shut down in Dubai for flouting Covid-19 rules, Growing your own food could save you Dh5,000 a year on grocery bills, Education expert: Lockdown taught us that schooling needs reform, Refugees breathe sigh of relief as Biden repeals Trump’s Muslim ban, Sinopharm vaccine may give better protection against new strains, Dubai limits number of people allowed to sit together in restaurants and cafes as cases surge, Vaccinated people can still spread virus, says UAE health official, Dubai reschedules Pfizer-BioNTech shots amid global shortage, Full list of where you can get the Covid-19 Sinopharm vaccine in the UAE, Alcohol consumption is no longer criminalised and licences are no longer required. This has always been the case. Dubai also simplified its licensing process, eliminating purchase restrictions and the ability of employers to block workers from obtaining a card. Several managers at alcohol shops told The National the card system would remain in place until the new law is officially introduced. I love a challenge – and the more fiendish the better – which is why I’ve always looked forward to renewing my Dubai alcohol license each year. All; Dubai; COVID-19; Corona Dubai; Corona UAE; Corona Virus; Dubai Hotels; Abu Dhabi The situation has now changed and tourists can apply for an temporary alcohol permit. UPDATE: Dubai has implemented new update in the application of alcohol license and has made it easier for everyone to get a permit. In Dubai, you can apply for an alcohol license through two liquor stores: African + Eastern (A&E) and Maritime & Mercantile Intenational (MMI). Getty Images, For the first time the law will allow for the legal cohabitation of unmarried couples. Alcohol License in Dubai – [2020 + Infographic] How to use Dubai public transport. But the same risks remain as before. Legally you need one though. The National explains. A person must be at least 21 to drink legally in the UAE. All alcohol licence holders will be required to shift to the new system and have the new smart black licence by August 31, with the current ‘red card’ becoming obsolete from September. In theory it could be asked for at a bar or club but in practice it almost never is. Abu Dhabi has ended its licensing system for alcohol purchases for residents. Previously, prosecutions for drinking were rare but an individual could be charged for consuming alcohol without a licence if they were arrested for another offence. Document Checklist New Liquor Licence. Do I still need an alcohol license to shop at Dubai liquor stores? In order to apply for a new smart license or to renew the existing one, residents can simply scan their Emirates ID at any MMI or African Eastern store. The new procedure on alcohol permits allows tourists to obtain one for free at either African & Eastern or MMI stores after showing their passports and signing a pledge … Anyone caught selling alcohol to someone deemed underage will be punished, according to the amendments to Federal Law No 3 of 1987 of the Penal Code. The decision removed any grey area over the legalities. All residents over 21 years of age and non-muslims can apply for the license at all African and Eastern and MMI outlets. Our website uses cookies and other similar technologies to improve our site and your online experience. As per Dubai Municipality, drinking alcohol is not allowed on the beach; neither is adding alcohol to any food product. Visitors who do not live there cannot get a licence, but one way round it is to buy duty free booze at the airport and take it to your hotel. NOTE: For details on the new rules – updated in 2020, read this article. New to Dubai. Alcohol consumption is no longer a criminal offence in the UAE. The old system will be retired from 1st September 2020, making the “red cards” no longer valid. African + Eastern (A+E) confirmed that they are also awaiting further instruction from CID and do still require customers to produce a license when making a purchase. Previously, a charge for consuming alcohol without a licence could be tacked on if someone was arrested for another offence. There will be no longer a distinction of crimes known as ‘honour crimes’, where a male relative can get a lighter sentence for assaulting a female relative under the guise of ‘protecting honour’. You application will be processed within 48 hours, and your license will be ready within four weeks. Applicants need to be non-Muslim and at least 21. They could not legally purchase alcohol from liquor shops in Dubai. Anyone caught selling alcohol to someone deemed underage will be punished, according to the amendments to Federal Law No 3 of 1987 of the Penal Code. The new laws are federal and affect all emirates. 1. A blind eye is turned in most cases. It is shown at off-licences or liquor stores in Dubai when making purchases. They are also working to introduce the new scheme to the existing contract by the year end. Visitors can obtain the licence at 17 African + Eastern stores or 17 Mercantile and Marketing International (MMI) liquor stores to use during their stay in Dubai. Both have online and physical stores across the emirate that you can visit for license application as well as renewal. 3. Alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licensed public places. However, those living in Dubai are still required to obtain a license to purchase, transport or have alcohol in their homes — though many skirt the requirement by purchasing drinks in other emirates. There are certain requirements for a liquor license in the city. In Dubai, shops previously had to ask residents for a licence, or tourists for a temporary licence, before selling alcohol. Getty Images, If a couple were married in their home country, but were divorced in the UAE, they can expect the process to be similar in a UAE court. If you’re willing to use RTA Dubai bus system, you will definitely need to know Dubai bus routes. Until now, it is has been illegal for an unmarried couple, or even unrelated flatmates, to share a home in the Emirates. 2. Its Now Easy To Own A Liquor License In Dubai. Full Coverage: United Arab Emirates. Some of them include: People from the Muslim community cannot apply for the liquor license. Dubai has strict laws surrounding alcohol. Residents will no longer need an alcohol license to consume alcohol in a private or authorised space. Before renewing your license, check out the following prerequisites, requirements, and procedure first: Prerequisites It informed them alcohol would be permitted in licensed areas during "all religious occasions, throughout the year and in upcoming years". Therefore if you were to enter a liquor store today, you would still need an valid license in order to make a purchase. Read about the different types of liquor licenses and the permissible activities under a type C liquor license in Dubai. Following the news yesterday that consuming and purchasing alcohol without a liquor license is no longer a crime, residents were left confused about the rules regarding alcohol licenses. In recent years, shops, bars and restaurants seldom asked customers to show a licence, but customers were technically required to have one by law. Over 21 years old. What’s On posed the question to a representative at both African + Eastern and MMI, the latter of which confirmed that right now, the same rules still apply. Previously, one could buy only a fixed amount of alcohol depending on the salary certificate produced. The question left unanswered was if residents will need their license to shop at Dubai liquor stores, as has been the case for many years. Resident of Dubai (if your visa is stamped in an Emirate other than Dubai you will require a No Objection Certificate from the relevant Emirate). The official word from the UAE government was that drinking alcohol will also no longer be an offence. Tags. Sharjah, for example, is completely “dry” while the other emirates take different approaches to regulations regarding the sale of alcohol. Tags. Restrictions on alcohol have been progressively updated in Abu Dhabi since 2018 when a note was issued to restaurants, bars and retailers in May ending “dry days” in the emirate. By continuing to use our website you consent to cookies being used. It is a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to drink, transport or store alcohol at home in Dubai to have a liquor license. The court must ensure legal translators are available. Now here’s the thing: We’ve seen a lot of questions on the internet about Dubai bus routes… Read More » How to set up DEWA, Transfer & Cancel. Getty Images, The law will ensure ‘Good Samaritans’ who intervene in situations where people are in need cannot be held liable for the outcome of those they help. Liquor Licence Mandatories. The system now only requires a valid Emirates ID, which Non-Muslims can take into any A+E or MMI branch. New UAE law allows unmarried couples to live together, MMI and African & Eastern launch home delivery in Dubai, It's now much easier to obtain a liquor license in Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm relaunches underwater yoga classes, 6 fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: January 24 to 27, Platinum Heritage launches unique camping experiences in Dubai, Palm Jumeirah is set to welcome a McGettigan's and Trader Vic's, 6 of the very best breakfast deals in Dubai. The laws of the country where the marriage took place would be applied. Network providers have already applied the new rule to all new contracts. A free one-month licence can now be obtained by all non-Muslim visitors over the age of 21 to purchase their own alcohol and consume it. The amendments also give each emirate “the right to issue legislation regulating this issue”. Individuals must still be over the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Legally you can’t even transport it in a taxi. The Dubai Emirate allows residents to consume alcohol in that Emirate only if they have an alcohol licence. This means anyone who drinks or is in possession of alcohol or sells alcoholic beverages in authorised areas without an alcohol licence will not face prosecution. Dubai is set to change its rules around alcohol consumption, according to local reports. Until then, the sale of alcohol was banned on the day preceding a number of Islamic holidays, including Waqfat Arafa, Al Isra’a and M’raj, the birth of the Prophet Mohammed and Islamic New Year. Everything you need to know about alcohol & liquor licenses in Dubai, UAE. Anyone caught selling alcohol to someone deemed underage will be punished, according to the amendments to Federal Law No 3 of 1987 of the Penal Code. A note sent to distribution companies and retailers said they were not required to ask customers to produce a card that showed they were eligible to buy alcohol. Getty Images. UAE sets out legal overhaul of personal and family law, Abu Dhabi to end alcohol licence system for residents. Please check out the step by step guide below to learn how you can get … “Penalties are limited to those who serve or sell alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21 or who bought alcohol with the intention to give it to an underage individual," the law says. Here’s what it means for you. Following the news yesterday that consuming and purchasing alcohol without a liquor license is no longer a crime, residents were left confused about the rules regarding alcohol licenses. Rules For Applying For Smart Alcohol License. Anyone who wants to drink, sell or have alcohol on them in all authorised areas across the UAE can now legally do so without an alcohol license and face NO PENALTIES WHATSOEVER. The changes were aimed at making it easier for residents to acquire one and to ensure the law was clear. Please follow the instructions below to allow notifications to be sent from The National, Amendments to UAE law remove penalties for the consumption of alcohol. The emirate's Department of Culture and Tourism announced … The new alcohol licence being introduced in Dubai is designed to make the process simpler and reduce the level of paperwork previously required, according to the managing director of MMI. The legal drinking age remains 21 but alcohol is now DECRIMINALISED. Some of the major items mentioned is that tenancy contract is NO longer a requirement, you also do NOT need to get an NOC from employer, and there is NO MORE minimum salary requirement. The UAE announced the biggest overhaul of its legal system in years on Saturday, affecting everything from divorce and inheritance to the consumption of alcohol. Under a long-standing, but rarely used clause, it had been possible for someone who went to the aid of someone, to give CPR or other first aid, to be help accountable for their injury or death. Suicide: Suicide and attempted suicide are also no longer criminalised in the UAE. “Dubai has not specified a blood alcohol level to define legal intoxication, and the new law doesn’t clarify that. They’ll happily sell it to you without an alcohol licence at Dubai Duty Free in the arrivals area. Individuals must still be over the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Apparently the law says that only hotel guests may drink at hotel bars but it's unheard of for that to be … The laws, effective immediately, reflect progressive measures that aim to attract more foreign direct investment and visitors to the country and to ease rules for residents of the Emirates. Nobody asks to see your alcohol licence at Dubai Duty Free or in any restaurant or bar. 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