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Buying Alcohol in Dubai: A Tourist’s Guide to Licensed Stores and Duty-Free

This piece can dive deeper into the practicalities of purchasing alcohol, a common point of confusion for visitors.

  • Key Sections to Include:
    • Licensed Retailers: MMI and African & Eastern: Explain what these stores are, that they are the primary retailers, and what the in-store experience is like for a tourist (passport required, no license needed).
    • Duty-Free at Dubai Airport: Detail the allowance (4L/2 bottles of spirits/wine or 24 cans of beer) and note that this is for arrival, not departure.
    • Price Expectations: Mention that a 30% alcohol tax was reintroduced in January 2025, which may affect prices in bars and stores. You could give examples like a beer in a bar typically costing between AED 50-65.
    • Home Delivery Services: Note that some licensed retailers offer delivery services, which is a safe and legal way to transport alcohol to your accommodation.