Buying Alcohol in Dubai: Tourist Rules, Where to Buy & Licenses

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Post updated January 6, 2026

After living in Dubai for a few years, I still get a kick out of seeing tourists and new expats trying to navigate Dubai’s quirky alcohol rules. I was there once, too, so I get it! But once you know the system, I swear it’s super easy. So if you’ve just landed in Dubai and you’re wondering what is going on and where to buy alcohol in Dubai, I figured I’d write a little guide about the ins and outs of buying alcohol in Dubai!

Buying Alcohol in Dubai – Everything You Need to Know

Can Tourists Buy Alcohol in Dubai?

Yes. You can absolutely buy alcohol in Dubai as a tourist, as long as you’re 21 and up. The idea that Dubai is dry is one of the many common misconceptions about Dubai.

Can Tourists Buy Alcohol at the Airport’s Duty-Free?

Yes. You can buy up to 4 liters of spirits at the Duty-Free shop at the Dubai International Airport. You can often get better deals at Duty-Free versus the designated alcohol shops in Dubai.

Going Out for Drinks

If you’re looking to go out for drinks at a bar, restaurant, or nightclub, do note that liquor can only be sold in establishments that are licensed. These places are usually associated with hotels, so you’ll find tons of bars and restaurants serving drinks throughout the city, especially in the best areas to stay in Dubai for tourists, including Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina.

You’ll also find that alcohol is not sold in restaurants in places like the Dubai Mall, or most malls for that matter. So don’t expect to have a boozy brunch or dinner at one of Dubai’s megamalls! That being said, you will find a few places in the Mall of the Emirates that do serve alcohol.

Can You Buy Alcohol in Dubai Supermarkets?

No! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen tourists load up on baskets full of beer at the grocery store. The beer that’s sold in Dubai’s grocery stores is alcohol-free (you’ll know from the 0% or AF sign, which people don’t always notice).

If that’s what you’re after – you’re in luck! But if you’re looking for something stronger, you’ll want to track down one of Dubai’s official alcohol stores.

Where to Buy Alcohol in Dubai

If you’re wondering where to buy alcohol in Dubai to take back to your apartment or hotel room, there are two retailers that sell alcohol in Dubai: MMI and African + Eastern. There are more and more branches popping up in Dubai all the time. But if you can’t track one down, fear not – they deliver! You will for sure find them in areas like the Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, etc.

These shops are often hidden away in mall basements or obscure locations, and you’ll notice that the windows are blacked out so passersby can’t see inside. But step inside and you’ll realize you can find everything you need to mix your favorite cocktail or enjoy your go-to beer or wine in the privacy of your own home.

Buying Alcohol as a Tourist

If you’ve entered Dubai on a tourist visa, all you need to do is show your passport when purchasing alcohol from either MMI or African + Eastern. It’s as simple as that! Tourists do not need an alcohol license, but UAE residents do.

Buying Alcohol as a UAE Resident

Residents who hold an Emirates ID will need to get an alcohol license in order to purchase alcohol in Dubai. This used to be a bit more of an ordeal – you used to have to pay an annual fee and show a physical alcohol license when making purchases, but things have loosened up.

How to Get an Alcohol License in Dubai

You can read my full guide on how to get an alcohol license in Dubai. But basically if you have an Emirates ID, all you have to do is pop into a branch of MMI or African + Eastern and register for an ID. It should only take a few minutes and you can purchase anything you’d like on the spot. Plus, the license is totally free!

You can also apply for a license online at the License DXB website.

While you used to have to wait a few weeks or even months for the physical license, Dubai has gone away from the physical card these days. So you’ll just need to show your license barcode on the License DXB app whenever you’d like to make a purchase. And if you get home delivery, you’ll need your Emirates ID on hand (or your passport if you’re a tourist).

FAQs: Buying Alcohol in Dubai

Can you buy alcohol in Dubai?

Yes, you can buy alcohol in Dubai as long as you’re 21 and up! You can buy alcoholic drinks in designated bars, restaurants, and alcohol shops in Dubai. It is widely available.

Can you tell me where to buy alcohol in Dubai for personal consumption?

If you’re wondering where to buy alcohol in Dubai to take back to your home or hotel for personal consumption, you can purchase beer, wine, and spirits from any branch of MMI or African + Eastern.

Can you buy alcohol in grocery stores in Dubai?

No, you cannot buy alcohol in grocery stores in Dubai. You can purchase beer, wine, and spirits from Dubai’s designated alcohol shops, African + Eastern and MMI.

Do I need a license to buy alcohol in Dubai?

Tourists do not need a license to buy alcohol in Dubai. You can simply show your passport and you’re good to go. UAE residents with an Emirates ID do need to register for an alcohol license to purchase alcohol in Dubai.

That’s it! My guide to buying alcohol in Dubai. Do you have any questions about where to buy alcohol in Dubai? Let me know in the comments.