The UAE has implemented a new policy that encourages the sale of liquor in Dubai as part of the ongoing opening up of the Islamic Sheikhdom.
The United Arab Emirates has further relaxed some rules based on Islamic norms in order to improve the country’s economic and social standing and attract more foreign tourists.
The UAE has implemented a new policy that encourages the sale of liquor in Dubai as part of the ongoing opening up of the Islamic Sheikhdom. According to some international media outlets, the authorities announced the repeal of a 30% sales tax and fee for obtaining a licence to operate a liquor store on January 1. However, this has not been reported in the local media.
Liquor is more expensive in Dubai than in India and some other UAE emirates. Indians and other foreign expatriates travel a long distance to Umm Al Quwain to buy alcohol, which is nearly half the price in Dubai.
Although the capital Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain, and some other emirates have already relaxed their alcohol policies, emirates such as Sharjah and neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia prohibit the sale and consumption of liquor.
The availability of liquor is a major draw for visitors to Dubai. During the recent World Cup in neighbouring Qatar, football fans would drink in Dubai’s bars.
Liquor is sold in Dubai through two outlets: MMI and African Eastern, and is available to all Dubai residents except Muslims with a valid liquor licence, as well as tourists with their original passport.
All Dubai residents (over 21 and non-Muslim) can now apply for a liquor licence online, and the previously reported new relaxation licence fee has been eliminated.
Booze is also available for home delivery for a minimum spend of 250 Dirhams plus a delivery fee of 50 Dirhams.
The United Arab Emirates initiated a major overhaul of the country’s Islamic personal laws, allowing unmarried couples to cohabitate, loosening alcohol restrictions and criminalising so-called ‘honour killings’.
Personal freedoms are being expanded to reflect the changing profile of a country that has sought to market itself as a Westernized destination for tourists, fortune seekers, and businesses despite its Islamic legal code, which has previously resulted in court cases against foreigners and outrage in their home countries.
