Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. In Dubai and all other emirates besides Sharjah, the drinking age is 21. Drinking alcohol in Sharjah is illegal.
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?
In Dubai, alcohol can only be bought and consumed in public at licensed establishments. This normally means a restaurant, bar or nightclub attached to a hotel. Drinking alcohol in any other public place is illegal. It is also illegal for anyone below the age of 21 to consume alcohol.
Is Dubai a dry country?
For most Western tourists, the U.A.E. offers an environment that is extremely familiar. … Sharjah emirate is completely dry. An alcohol license is required in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ajman; the remaining emirates of Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm al Quwain do not require any type of license.
Can you have alcohol in your home in Dubai?
Alcohol must only be consumed in private homes or licensed areas. Alcohol served in most major hotel bars is no longer only for guests of the hotel. in neighboring Dubai, however, liquor licenses are still required for residents who want to buy alcohol in shops, and tourists need a temporary license.
Is drinking alcohol allowed in UAE?
Alcohol has been legally available in bars and clubs in UAE, but individuals required a government-issued license to purchase, transport or possess alcohol in their homes. … Previously, prosecutions for alcohol consumption were rare and most often seen when affixed to an arrest for another offence.
What is forbidden in Dubai?
Sleeveless tops and short dresses are not allowed at Dubai’s malls. Clothes must be in appropriate lengths. Expats and tourists are not allowed to consume alcohol outside of licensed venues. Apostasy is a crime punishable by death in the UAE; in practice this has never been applied.
Can unmarried couples stay in Dubai?
The UAE Government announced changes in the country’s Islamic personal laws. As per the new rule, unmarried couples in UAE will now be permitted to stay together. The new move is an effort to improve the living standards of the residents in the country.
Is Dubai safe for Americans?
Generally speaking, Dubai is safe to visit. Person-on-person crime isn’t much of a concern to travelers here, due to the fact that Dubai is a heavily monitored city. … Petty crime is more of a concern, especially pickpocketing, scams, and sexual harassment, though weapons are almost never involved.
Are clothes expensive in Dubai?
Dubai has many many store chains that you’d find on a UK high street selling the same clothes you’d find in the UK – from designer to Jane Norman, Top Shop, M&S, H&M etc. Clothes are more expensive in Dubai, especially with the poor exchange rate at the moment.
Is there poverty in Dubai?
The UAE is one of the top ten richest countries in the world, and yet a large percentage of the population lives in poverty — an estimated 19.5 percent. … Poverty in the UAE can be seen in the labor conditions of the working class. Migrants come to Dubai looking for work and send remittances back to their families.
How strict are Dubai on drinking?
Drinking Is A-OK, in the Right Places
Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. It is unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places—even beaches. Dubai is incredibly strict about public drunkenness and has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
Can you swear in Dubai?
In Dubai, the use of the expletive “f**k”, and other verbal abuse, is considered a crime, as the word “disgraces the honour of the modesty” of a person, according to Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code.
Can I smoke in Dubai?
Smoking is permitted in designated areas, which are clearly marked, especially in public places. Dubai Municipality banned smoking shisha in parks, beaches and all public recreational areas in Dubai. It also prohibited the entry of pregnant women into shisha cafes, regardless of their intention to smoke.
What is the punishment for drinking alcohol in Dubai?
Punishment for a person caught drunk or drinking without an alcohol permit includes imprisonment for a period of six months or a fine of Dh5,000 or both. This is according to the UAE Alcohol Law of 1972.
Can you share a hotel room in Dubai?
Sharing a hotel room
It is against Dubai law to live together, or to share the same hotel room, with someone of the opposite sex if you aren’t married or closely related, according to Foreign Office guidance.