Dubai scraps alcohol fees: Everything you need to know

The new rule has come into effect immediately, here is all you need to know:

Changes to Dubai alcohol license

Previously, the fee to obtain an alcohol licence in Dubai was AED270 per year and had a processing time of around four weeks.

MMI confirmed that effective immediately personal liquor licences will be free-to-obtain for those eligible to legally purchase alcoholic beverages in the city.

People wishing to buy an alcohol licence in the city require a valid Emirates ID, or passport for tourists. This can be done at any of MMI’s 21 stores.

Tyrone Reid, Group CEO of Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) & Emirates Leisure Retail said, “Following the announcement by the Government of Dubai to remove the 30 percent municipality tax on sales of alcoholic beverages, we are pleased to announce that this will be reflected across all alcoholic beverage products in all our 21 MMI stores in Dubai, effective 1st January.

“These recently updated regulations are instrumental to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE.”

African + Eastern is also reported to be cutting fees to acquire an alcohol licence in Dubai.

When does the rule come into effect?

The rule for removal of taxes on alcohol sales and free alcohol licenses has come into effect on January 1, 2023.

Required documents for alcohol licenses

• For residents – Valid Emirates ID.
• For tourists – Valid passport.

Where to apply

Tourists and residents can obtain a free alcohol license by validating the required documents at any MMI or African + Eastern store.

Age and consumption

Legally in the UAE, for non-Muslims the alcohol consumption age is 21.

Alcohol can only be consumed in licensed establishments or in private setting.