What is the legal drinking age in the UAE?
The legal drinking age in the United Arab Emirates is 21 years old. Alcohol is served in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, and restaurants across most emirates. Sharjah is a completely dry emirate where alcohol is strictly prohibited for both residents and tourists. All other emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain — permit alcohol at licensed venues.
Can You Drink in UAE?
Licensed Venues (Legal for Tourists)
- Hotel bars & restaurants: Most 3+ star hotels have licenses
- Licensed restaurants: Upscale standalone restaurants
- Nightclubs: All clubs are licensed venues
- Beach clubs: Private clubs attached to hotels
- Airport lounges & duty-free: Can purchase and consume
Popular Areas
- Dubai Marina: Dozens of bars and restaurants
- JBR: Beach clubs and waterfront venues
- Downtown Dubai: Hotel bars near Burj Khalifa
- Abu Dhabi - Yas Island: Hotels and entertainment venues
Completely Prohibited
- Public beaches: Even if purchased legally elsewhere
- Parks & public spaces: No drinking in streets or parks
- Non-licensed restaurants: Most local/casual restaurants
- Sharjah (entire emirate): Zero alcohol allowed
Dry Emirates
- Sharjah: Completely dry, no exceptions. Even hotel bars.
Limited Availability
- Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain: Alcohol is legal but fewer licensed venues and shops than Dubai/Abu Dhabi.
Licensed Shops
- MMI (Maritime & Mercantile International): Major chain in Dubai
- African + Eastern: Another major retailer
- Barracuda: Popular in Abu Dhabi
- No license needed: Tourists can buy with passport (since 2020)
Airport Duty-Free
- 4 liters alcohol OR 2 cases beer (24 cans each)
- Best prices if buying to consume during trip
- Must be 21+ with passport
2026 Pricing Note
- Dubai reinstated 30% alcohol tax in January 2025 — still in effect for 2026
- Prices significantly higher than previous years
- Abu Dhabi may have different rates
- Tourists can buy from licensed shops (MMI, African+Eastern) with passport — no license needed
Drunk Driving
- Zero tolerance: ANY alcohol in blood = criminal offense
- Arrest, jail time, heavy fines
- Deportation for tourists
- Solution: Always use taxis/Uber/Careem
Public Intoxication
- Being visibly drunk in public is illegal
- Can result in arrest, fines, detention
- Take taxi directly to hotel if too drunk
Drinking in Public
- Fine up to AED 5,000
- Possible detention
- Applies even to tourists
What Changes
- Many venues stop serving alcohol during daylight hours
- Some venues close entirely for the month
- Hotels usually have restricted hours
- After sunset (Iftar), most venues resume service
What Stays the Same
- You can still drink at licensed venues (usually after sunset)
- Hotel restaurants often serve alcohol with curtains/partitions
- Liquor shops remain open but may have reduced hours
Do
- Drink only at licensed venues such as hotel bars and restaurants
- Always carry valid photo ID proving you are 21 or older
- Use taxis or Careem and Uber after drinking, as there is zero tolerance
- Buy your duty-free allowance on arrival for the best prices
Don't
- Drink or appear intoxicated in any public space
- Drive after consuming any amount of alcohol whatsoever
- Bring alcohol into Sharjah, which is completely dry
- Assume Ramadan rules are relaxed, since bars open later but restrictions apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Tourists can drink at licensed venues (hotel bars, restaurants, nightclubs, beach clubs) without any special permit. Since 2020, tourists can also buy alcohol from licensed shops with just their passport. Legal age is 21, strictly enforced. Drinking in public spaces (beaches, parks, streets) remains illegal.
21 years old. This is strictly enforced — always carry valid photo ID. Venues will check, and some require passport as proof. If you're under 21, you cannot enter nightclubs or order alcohol at restaurants, even with parents present.
Only Sharjah is completely dry — no alcohol sales or consumption allowed anywhere, including hotels. All other emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman) permit alcohol at licensed venues, though availability is more limited outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If staying in Sharjah, you'll need to travel to Dubai to drink.
Yes. Fujairah permits alcohol at licensed venues, primarily in hotels and resorts along the east coast. Options are fewer than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but major hotels like Le Meridien, Fairmont, and InterContinental serve alcohol. There are no licensed liquor shops in Fujairah, so purchase from duty-free or bring from Dubai. Read our complete Fujairah travel guide.
Yes, absolutely safe at licensed venues. Abu Dhabi has hundreds of licensed bars, restaurants, and clubs, especially around Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and the Corniche. The same rules apply: legal age is 21, zero tolerance for drunk driving, and no public intoxication. Use taxis or ride-hailing apps (Careem/Uber) to get home safely. Explore our Abu Dhabi travel guide.
Sharjah is completely dry. No alcohol is sold, served, or allowed anywhere in the emirate — including hotels, restaurants, and private residences. This applies to both residents and tourists. If caught with alcohol in Sharjah, you face fines, detention, or deportation. Most visitors staying in Sharjah travel to neighboring Dubai (20 minutes by car) for nightlife. See our Sharjah travel guide.