While in Dubai, you might notice the absence of police officers in public areas and think it's okay to crack open a beer. Be advised, the police are there, blending in, dressed as civilians. Being drunk in public can lead to sentences of six months in jail and hefty fines, so wait on the beer.
According to the 1972 UAE Alcohol Law, you could be sent to jail for a period of 6 months or could be fined around AED 5000, or you could be charged with the fine and imprisonment.
However, you should be aware that it is a punishable offence under UAE law to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public.
Dubai drinking laws
Alcohol consumption was no longer deemed a criminal offence and a license was no longer required for visitors to be able to do so.
Consumption of alcohol by Minors:
Article 313 (bis) of the Law No. 15 of 2020 reads as follows: No penalty shall be imposed on drinking, possessing or trading in alcoholic drinks in the cases and at places authorized in accordance with the legislation in force.
Is it legal to kiss in public? While rare, people have been arrested for kissing in Dubai – it's not a city big on public displays of affection. In fact, outside your hotel room, it's best to avoid anything overtly physical.
Minimum age allowed to enter a nightclub in Dubai is 21. However, some clubs do not allow people under the age of 25 also.
Death penalty shall be imposed if the murder is committed with premeditation and deliberation, or if associated with or connected to another crime, or if the murder is committed against any of the ascendants of the criminal, or against a public official or a person assigned to a public service, during or by reason of ...
The short answer – for non-Muslims – is YES, you can drink alcohol in Dubai. The rules in this regard significantly changed on 7 November 2020 under a federal law change, and a further change was announced by Dubai lawmakers on 1 January 2023.
Each traveller is permitted to bring the following with them into the United Arab Emirates (UAE): 4 litres of alcohol or one carton / 24 cans of beer. AED 2,000 worth of cigarettes or 400 sticks of cigarettes. AED 3,000 worth of gifts, including perfume.
Everyone enjoys a little nightlife by visiting nightclubs. Dubai being such a beautiful city, it does not fall back when it comes to nightclubs. It may be a misconception that partying in Dubai is not so enjoyable, but the fact is that there are some great nightclubs to party in.
What is The Legal Drinking Age in Dubai? For both residents and tourists, the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21 years. And this is strictly enforced.
Normal cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape, heating tobacco, and other tobacco products are all legal in Dubai. Only if you use it in a location where smoking is prohibited, such as an outdoor smoking cabin. Smokers caught using an e-cigarette in a banned place face a fine of up to Dh 2.000.
There is very little crime in Dubai. Mainly because the main population is foreigners, and if they commit a crime, they'll be deported. There's also a strong police presence in tourist areas and CCTV cameras that line the streets, meaning you'll be safe if you don't wander too far off the track.
It is pertinent to note that cohabitation of unmarried couples is not a crime anymore in the UAE if there are no objections by their legal guardians. Therefore, if you are living with your girlfriend in the UAE, it may not be considered a crime, and there may be no imprisonment or penalties for cohabitation.
Swearing, using obscenities, or making rude gestures in public. Using vulgar or obscene language in public, along with making rude gestures, can get you arrested in Dubai.
Partying in Dubai is restricted to star hotels as they have liquor license to serve alcohol in their lounges, bars and clubs. While Dubai's world-class bars and clubs are not new among party goers, its is also important to know the law before you get into the party mode.
Around new areas such as Dubai Marina or Downtown it is not such an issue and men and women can wear shorts and sleeveless or strappy tops. If you are in some of the older areas like Deira or Bur Dubai then a little more respect should be shown and wearing a t-shirt and slightly longer pants is recommended.
Based on the aforementioned amendments of year 2000 in the law, the provision of 'indecent assault' has since been removed. Following this, unmarried couples may now live in the same accommodation and cohabit without marriage in the UAE.
Stoning. The United Arab Emirates has sentenced several people to death by stoning. In 2010, stoning to death was prescribed as the default method of execution for adultery, and it remained a legal punishment under the UAE's interpretation of Sharia in 2021.
The punishment for Adultery in UAE is at least one year of imprisonment and up to three years along with deportation. In addition to this the court has a power to exercise its discretion to suspend the jail sentence of the accused or for that matter, to reduce it all together.
For UAE residents, most clubs grant entry based on a valid driving license or Emirates ID. Your passport will suffice for ID requirements if you're visiting Dubai as a tourist. Certain party clubs in Dubai do not allow entry to anyone under 25.
Dubai is a great place to live if you're into late-night partying. With lively bars, bustling nightclubs and opulent bistros, there is plenty to experience and enjoy. In the best areas to stay in Dubai for nightlife, simply every day of the week is party time!
Age of Consent: Must be Married2 There is no age of consent in the United Arab Emirates, as any form of sexual activity outside of marriage is illegal.