Can You Buy Alcohol in Supermarkets in Dubai?

By Anna Duncan

In Dubai, the sale of alcohol is regulated by strict laws and regulations. Many visitors and residents often wonder whether they can buy alcohol in Supermarkets. Let’s take a closer look at the rules governing the sale of alcohol in Supermarkets in Dubai.

Alcohol Laws in Dubai

Dubai follows Islamic law, which prohibits Muslims from consuming alcohol. However, non-Muslim residents and tourists are allowed to consume alcohol within certain limits and under specific circumstances.

Licensing

In order to purchase or consume alcohol in Dubai, you must have an alcohol license issued by the Dubai Police. This license is available to non-Muslim residents who are over 21 years of age. Tourists are exempt from this requirement and can purchase alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants, and bars without a license.

Alcohol Sales Channels

In Dubai, there are two primary channels for purchasing alcohol: liquor stores and hotel minibars.

Liquor Stores

Liquor stores are authorized retailers that sell a wide range of alcoholic beverages. These stores are typically located outside residential areas and require customers to present their valid alcohol license or passport for identification before making a purchase.

Note: It’s essential to carry your original passport or Emirates ID as these documents may be required for verification.

Hotel Minibars

If you prefer the convenience of purchasing alcohol within your accommodation, most hotels in Dubai offer minibars stocked with a selection of alcoholic beverages. These minibars generally charge higher prices compared to liquor stores but offer the convenience of having drinks readily available in your room.

Can You Buy Alcohol in Supermarkets?

No, you cannot buy alcohol in Supermarkets in Dubai. Unlike many other countries, alcohol is not sold in regular Supermarkets or grocery stores. This restriction is in place to ensure that the sale and consumption of alcohol are controlled and regulated.

If you are looking to purchase alcohol, you must visit a licensed liquor store or order from a licensed online retailer that specializes in the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Conclusion

To sum up, while alcohol is not available for purchase in regular Supermarkets in Dubai, there are authorized channels where residents and tourists can buy alcoholic beverages. These include licensed liquor stores and hotel minibars. Remember to always adhere to the laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption to avoid any legal issues during your stay in Dubai.