Residents in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi are no longer required to have a license to buy and drink alcohol.
A note sent to distribution companies and retailers by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism stated that customers are no longer required to produce a license to buy alcohol.
Instead, residents and tourists need only be 21-years-of age and purchase it for personal consumption, not to be resold.
That said – alcohol can still only be consumed in private homes and licensed areas, and only in a responsible manner.
“We would like to announce the cancellation of alcohol licences for individuals, where residents and tourists will be permitted to buy and possess alcohol from licensed retail shops, and are allowed to drink within tourism and hotel establishments, clubs and independent outlets, in accordance with the following requirements,” the department said.
“The consumer must be 21 years old.”
“The purchase is for personal consumption only and not for resale to others or storage.
“The alcoholic beverages are consumed in private homes or inside licensed areas.”
Previously, those buying alcohol at restaurants, bars and licensed shops would be required to have a license.
In Dubai, residents are still required to have a license, and tourists wishing to buy alcohol must produce a valid visit visa. This year the city made it easier for residents to acquire a visa; you only now need to fill in a basic form and produce a valid Emirates ID as well as pay a small administration fee.
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