UAE is under Sharia law, but that doesn't mean you are completely banned from drinking in the country. Find out where and when you can drink with these tips.

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The UAE legal system is largely determined by Sharia law, and Sharia law prohibits alcohol. So, can you get a drink while visiting the UAE and Dubai?

License to Drink in UAE

While the rules in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have relaxed somewhat with alcohol served in some hotels and nightclubs.

People who consume or possess alcohol are required to have a Ministry of Interior liquor permit or they may face arrest, fines and possible imprisonment. Yes, alcohol is served in most major hotel bars, but technically that's only for guests of the hotel. People who consume alcohol in a hotel who aren't staying there are required to have their own personal liquor license.

Liquor licenses are only issued to people who possess current UAE residency permits and who are non-Muslim. The penalties for Muslims who are intoxicated are more severe and do include corporal punishment such as lashings.

However what may happen in Dubai isn't always applicable in other states in the UAE. It is strictly forbidden to consume or even carry alcohol in the dry state of Sharjah.

What is Considered Illegal?

Just about any public activity that you can think of that involves alcohol is illegal. Drinking or being drunk in public is illegal, and believe it or not, the police are actually fairly good at spotting a drunk tourist and the defense of "But I've only had a few!" isn't considered a valid legal defense in the UAE and you may face immediate arrest and imprisonment simply for being drunk or drinking in public.

Driving with any amount of alcohol in your system is illegal and the penalties can be very draconian, so it really is something to avoid.

Alcohol-Related Incidents

Travellers arrested for any form of alcohol related incident are typically jailed for many days while awaiting a court hearing. The penalties for any form of alcohol related offense tend to be quite severe and increase in severity where driving and injury are concerned. Penalties include lengthy imprisonment (think years not months), fines and for Muslim travellers, even those not from the UAE, lashings.

Note that the liquor licenses are Emirate specific, and a liquor license issued for Dubai only allows you to drink in Dubai. A separate liquor license is required for each Emirate.