The United Arab Emirates (United Arab Emirates) is a popular destination for tourists and expatriates who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and shopping. But what about the alcohol laws in the United Arab Emirates? Can you drink legally in this country that operates under Sharia law? And if so, how old do you have to be to drink alcohol in the UAE?
Legal Drinking Age in the United Arab Emirates
One of the most important rules to follow when drinking alcohol in the United Arab Emirates is the legal drinking age. The legal drinking age in the United Arab Emirates is 21 years old. This means that anyone under 21 is not allowed to buy, possess, or consume alcohol in the United Arab Emirates.
The legal drinking age applies to both residents and tourists. If you are visiting the United Arab Emirates and you are under 21 years old, you cannot drink alcohol even if you are legally allowed to do so in your home country. You also cannot use your passport as proof of age to buy alcohol from stores or drink in hotels.
The legal drinking age is strictly enforced in the United Arab Emirates. If you are caught drinking alcohol while being under 21 years old, you could face serious consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, or deportation. Therefore, it is advisable to respect the law and avoid drinking alcohol if you are not of legal age in the United Arab Emirates.
Alcohol Laws in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, each with local laws and regulations. However, the federal criminal code applies to all emirates and sets the general framework for the alcohol laws in the country.
According to the federal criminal code, the penalty for drinking alcohol (Hadd punishment) does not apply to non-Muslims. However, non-Muslims are still required to follow specific rules and conditions when it comes to drinking alcohol in the United Arab Emirates.
The federal criminal code was amended in 2020 to relax some of the restrictions on alcohol consumption and possession. Before the amendment, non-Muslims needed a government-issued license to buy, transport, or possess alcohol in their homes. They also needed to carry that license if they wanted to drink in licensed bars and restaurants, which are primarily found in hotels.
After the amendment, non-Muslims no longer need a license to drink in hotels, nor do they need a permit to buy alcohol from stores. They can show their passport to purchase alcohol from authorized outlets, such as Maritime and Mercantile International, and African & Eastern in the United Arab Emirates.
However, the amendment does not mean alcohol is legal in the United Arab Emirates. There are still some restrictions and limitations that non-Muslims need to be aware of when drinking alcohol in the country.
Where and When Can You Drink in the United Arab Emirates
Another rule to follow when drinking alcohol in the United Arab Emirates is to know where and when you can drink. As mentioned earlier, alcohol is not widely available in the United Arab Emirates. You can only drink alcohol in licensed bars and restaurants primarily located in hotels. You cannot drink alcohol in public places, such as beaches, parks, or streets. You also cannot drink alcohol in your car or on public transportation.
It would be best if you also were mindful of the timing of your drinking. Alcohol is not served during certain religious occasions, such as Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. During Ramadan, alcohol is only served after sunset and until a specific time at night. You also cannot drink alcohol during the day or in the presence of Muslims who are fasting.
It would be best to be careful not to drink too much or get drunk in the United Arab Emirates. Public intoxication is considered a severe offense in the United Arab Emirates and could lead to arrest, fines, or imprisonment. It would be best if you also avoided any disorderly or inappropriate behavior while under the influence of alcohol, such as fighting, swearing, or harassing others.
How to Ask for a Beer in the United Arab Emirates
If you are of legal age and you want to drink a beer in the United Arab Emirates, you need to know how to ask for it. The most common word for beer in Arabic is “bira” (بيرة). However, you may also hear other words, such as “sharab” (شراب), which means drink, or “khamr” (خمر), which means alcohol.
You can ask for a beer by saying, “Bira, please,” or “Sharab, please.” You can also specify the brand or type of beer you want, such as “Heineken, please” or “lager, please.” You can also ask for the price by saying, “How much?” or “Kam?” (كم؟).
However, you should also be aware of the cultural and religious sensitivities around alcohol in the United Arab Emirates. It would be best if you did not ask for a beer in front of Muslims who do not drink or who are fasting. You should also not drink a beer in public or front of children. It would be best if you also respected the local customs and dress codes when drinking a beer in the United Arab Emirates.
Conclusion
Drinking alcohol in the United Arab Emirates is possible, but it is not as straightforward or as common as in other countries. You need to be aware of the legal drinking age, the alcohol laws, and the cultural and religious norms when drinking alcohol in the United Arab Emirates. It would be best if you also were responsible and respectful when drinking alcohol in the United Arab Emirates. Following these rules and guidelines allows you to enjoy a beer or two in the United Arab Emirates without getting into trouble.
FAQ
Q: What is the legal drinking age in the UAE?
A: The legal drinking age in the UAE is 21 years old for both residents and tourists.
Q: Do I need a license to drink alcohol in the UAE?
A: No, you do not need a license to drink alcohol in the UAE if you are a non-Muslim. You can buy alcohol from authorized outlets by showing your passport, and you can drink alcohol in licensed bars and restaurants in hotels.
Q: Can I drink alcohol in public places in the UAE?
A: No, you cannot drink alcohol in public places in the UAE, such as beaches, parks, or streets. You can only drink alcohol in private areas, such as your home or hotel room.
Q: Can I drink alcohol during Ramadan in the UAE?
A: No, you cannot drink alcohol during the day or in the presence of Muslims who are fasting during Ramadan in the UAE. You can only drink alcohol after sunset and until a specific time at night in licensed bars and restaurants in hotels.
Q: How much alcohol can I bring into the UAE?
A: You can bring up to 4 liters of alcohol or 48 cans of beer into the UAE if you are a non-Muslim and you are over 21 years old. You must declare your alcohol at customs and pay a 30% duty fee.
Q: What are the penalties for drinking alcohol illegally in the UAE?
A: The penalties for drinking alcohol illegally in the UAE vary depending on the offense and the emirate. You could face fines, imprisonment, or deportation for drinking alcohol while being under 21 years old, drinking alcohol in public, drinking alcohol without a license, drinking alcohol during Ramadan, or being drunk and disorderly.
Q: How can I ask for a beer in the UAE?
A: You can ask for a beer in the UAE by saying, “Bira, please,” or “Sharab, please.” You can also specify the brand or type of beer you want, such as “Heineken, please” or “lager, please.”
Q: How much does a beer cost in the UAE?
A: The price of a beer in the UAE depends on the outlet and the brand. A beer can cost anywhere from 25 AED to 60 AED in a licensed bar or restaurant in a hotel. A beer can cost around 10 AED to 15 AED in an authorized store.
Q: What are the best places to drink beer in the UAE?
A: Some of the best places to drink beer in the UAE are the Irish Village in Dubai, the Belgian Beer Cafe in Abu Dhabi, the McGettigan’s in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Barasti Beach Bar in Dubai, and the Yacht Club in Abu Dhabi.
Q: What are the cultural and religious norms around drinking alcohol in the UAE?
A: The cultural and religious norms around drinking alcohol in the UAE are based on respect and tolerance. It would be best if you did not drink alcohol in front of Muslims who do not drink or who are fasting. You should also not drink alcohol in public or in front of children. It would also be best to respect local customs and dress codes when drinking alcohol in the UAE.