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Trips to Dubai simply obtained cheaper for vacationers who take pleasure in a drink on trip with the federal government eradicating its 30% municipality tax on alcohol gross sales. The nation has additionally eliminated its AED 270 (US$73) charge for liquor licenses that enable individuals to purchase alcohol to drink at residence. The discount in charges and taxes has gone into impact now and can be trialed for a yr.
Major alcohol purveyors are already celebrating the information on their social channels, immediately reflecting the brand new pricing on their inventory in-stores however are caveating that the 5% VAT charge will nonetheless apply.
“You no longer need to make trips across the country to stock up on your favourite drinks. With the removal of 30% municipality tax and FREE alcohol licence, buying your favourite drinks is now easier and cheaper than ever!” mentioned MMI Dubai, a significant purveyor of alcohol, on its Instagram.
This transfer is anticipated to spice up the enchantment of Dubai as a destination for tourists and digital nomads, to compete with its neighboring nations that additionally carry hefty taxes on alcohol. Tourism is a crucial revenue stream for Dubai, with vacationer numbers growing more than 180% within the first half of 2022, in comparison with the identical time interval a yr prior, whereas new establishments are constantly popping up to meet this demand.
Do I Need A Liquor License To Drink At My Accommodation?
For vacationers staying in lodges, the reply is NO.
Tourists which might be staying in non-public lodging like leases or Airbnb’s could have totally different guidelines in the event that they wish to purchase bottles to carry residence. Tourists can apply for a free 30-day license to buy alcohol, which is a simplified course of that you are able to do at two of the principle purveyors of alcohol in Dubai – MMI and African + Eastern. You simply have to be at the least 21 years of age and might want to carry your passport and a sound customer visa to the shop to acquire the license.
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Where Can I Buy Alcohol?
MMI and African + Eastern are the 2 fundamental legally operated liquor shops in Dubai and collectively have nearly 40 shops in Dubai, which inventory the most well-liked wines, spirits, and beer manufacturers.
Tourists even have entry to the Legal Home Delivery service, which is the one authorized alcohol supply service in Dubai operated by MMI and African + Eastern. This service means you may keep away from going into the shop and go for supply to your lodging as a substitute, which is accessible 7 days per week between 10 am and 10 pm.
The system doesn’t at present supply same-day supply, so you will want to order earlier than 12 pm to get next-day supply and order a minimal of UAE 150 (US$40). Currently, there is no limit set by law on how a lot alcohol you should buy, so long as you have got a liquor license to buy it.
Where Can I Drink Alcohol?
Drinking alcohol is restricted to sure areas which might be thought of authorized. This consists of your residence or lodging, and in licensed venues across the metropolis.
Alcohol is not widely served in Dubai due to its Muslim population and Islamic legal guidelines, so you may solely drink at formally licensed institutions equivalent to lodges, eating places, bars, and golf equipment which might be focused towards expats and vacationers. It is really useful by the Embassy of the UAE to not ask for alcohol if it isn’t on the menu. If you come throughout areas with indicators saying “dry,” this implies they don’t serve alcohol.
Dubai’s golf equipment usually kick into gear round 10am and shut round 3am, with alcohol service stopping at round 1 am, however every location has its personal schedule.
Is Alcohol Expensive In Dubai?
A variety of alcohol is served in Dubai, but it surely sometimes comes with a bigger price ticket than residence. Drinking alcohol in Dubai is taken into account a privilege, however the latest elimination of the 30% of tax ought to make it extra enticing for vacationers.
Some remain skeptical that these financial savings can be handed on when ingesting on-site at bars and eating places. According to The Washington Post, a pint of Budweiser prices about $13 at a resort bar near Dubai airport, whereas Legal Home Delivery advertises costs for a 1L of Absolut Vodka at UAS 191 (US $52), whereas wines begin from UAE 22 (US $6), excluding 5% VAT tax.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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