Alcohol Consumption Laws in Abu Dhabi

UAE is a Muslim country. Its legal system has Islamic laws, civil laws, and international laws. Therefore, non-Muslims are also living comfortably under the multi-fabric of the cultural diversity in the region. Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE and a vibrant city. Let’s explore more about Alcohol Consumption Laws in Abu Dhabi.

Being the capital of the UAE, the emirate has modern infrastructure and more diversity in cultures. However, Islam prohibits alcohol consumption, but UAE has made it legal under certain scenarios, for non-Muslims. As there are expatriates from other parts of the world, who do not follow Islamic faith. These brilliant minds have largely contributed to the economic growth, therefore, values of these non-Muslims are respected in UAE.

However, there are noticed severe legal consequences for these people when they violate the drinking laws in UAE. They will need to hire lawyers in Abu Dhabi to help them through the legal cases or legal disputes. We offer legal services in Abu Dhabi and we have best lawyers for Abu Dhabi.

Under the federal and local laws, the regulations for alcohol consumption are designed in Abu Dhabi. Previously, alcohol was not allowed to anyone in the UAE. Committing to tolerance on the international level, alcohol consumption has been regulated as per separate laws.

The Federal Decree-Law No. 15 of 2020 has allowed non-Muslims over the age of 21 to consume alcohol legally. Additionally, the alcohol can be purchased for personal use if the individual has a valid license to consume it.

Respecting all religions, there are designated spaces where people can go and consume alcohol. Those areas or restaurants have the right to serve alcohol. Public drinking is not encouraged or allowed in any emirate for anybody in Emirate and across the Emirate. Having the laws for alcohol consumption in UAE, there have been serious offenses such as drunk driving and public intoxication. These issues can be avoided if you consult attorneys, grab the legal advice, grab the details about local laws and respect them.

Previously, UAE non-Muslim residents had to obtain a license for personal use of alcohol. The new legal reform has allowed the non-Muslims to purchase alcohol from licensed retailers. In that way, they do not need to have to get individual licenses for alcohol consumption. If you are a non-Muslim in the UAE, you can have it.

The alcohol is not available publicly in UAE. There are liquor stores, hotels, and private clubs that have the license to serve the alcohol. You can also consume alcohol in a private residence, but nowhere else unless you do not have a license. Violating the rules of alcohol consumption can damage your reputation and put you through financial losses and deportation. To avoid any confusion about alcohol consumption, you should talk to attorneys in Abu Dhabi to know about law.

Though the individual is allowed to drink in private places or designated areas, however, drunk driving is still prohibited. Drunk driving is a serious offense and crime in Abu Dhabi and all over UAE. Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 about road traffic has strict penalties for drunk drivers. One cannot drive if they are too drunk to take the car on the road. Several drunk driving accidents are reported in the UAE. There are heavy fines and imprisonment as penalties for drunk driving. Deportation is possible for expatriates if found guilty in drunk driving cases. Hiring lawyers in Abu Dhabi can work better in your case, especially when you are facing charges of drunk driving.

Cultural sensitivity is crucial in the UAE as many people are living under the multi-social fabric. Abu Dhabi has many Muslims as compared to other emirates. Therefore, the public behaviour shall reflect respect for the local customs and traditions. As tourists and residents in the UAE, Abu Dhabi, you must not drink in public places. No act of violence shall be conducted under the influence of alcohol. Sometimes, no rules are displayed in the country, but one has to respect its people. You may not find any signboards indicating the prohibition of alcohol. As an expatriate, you have to respect the Muslims in the country. Severe legal consequences can be faced even if the laws are not mentioned in the criminal laws. The cultural expectations shall be maintained.

Other than the Muslim expatriates, the non-Muslims also visit the UAE. Some of them also have businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They can enjoy alcohol in special areas and restaurants. All those places have a license to serve alcohol. Some stores may not sell alcohol to the residents.

Therefore, as tourists you must know that purchasing alcohol from a store and then drinking in prohibited places can lead to severe legal consequences. The lawyers can give you the best advice about disputes in the UAE. They make travelers understand the cultural sensitivity that everyone has to respect in the region.

It is not easy for any country to meet international standards in all sectors. The UAE is one of those countries that has committed to reflecting international standards in its legal, financial, IT, and other sectors.

Improving the global image is appreciated by many governments. However, the recent reforms for legalising alcohol in the UAE have promoted tourism. Many foreigners want to settle in the UAE as it has become a global economic hub and the laws are lenient for alcohol consumption. Moreover, the UAE is considered to be a country that promotes inclusion, diversity, and tolerance at the international level.

The laws may become lenient for the non-Muslims, but that does not mean that strict penalties are overlooked. They will apply wherever needed. Moreover, as a responsible citizen in the UAE, you must know the laws and ensure the safety of tourists by telling them about laws for alcohol consumption if you are a store owner.