Due to recent new policies launched to make Dubai more visitor-friendly, tourists are now able to purchase alcohol from shops for the first time. Previously, tourists may only buy and consume alcohol at licensed outlets such as hotels and restaurants.
Non-Muslim tourists above the age of 21 can now purchase alcohol from either of the city’s Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) or African and Eastern liquor stores.
To buy alcohol from these stores, visitors may require a licensee, which is free and valid for 30 days, which can be acquired by applying at any affiliate store upon arrival in Dubai. Copies of the applicant’s passport and entrance stamp are taken by the shop.
There are 17 MMI store locations across Dubai including Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Motor City, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Al Wasl Road, and The Greens.
To shop at MMI, residents also must first obtain a personal liquor license, which can be obtained at any MMI location.