Sunday, January 1, 2023, 5:18 PM
Dubai eliminated its 30 percent alcohol sales tax and made required liquor licenses available for free. This is a change that seems to have boosted tourism to the emirate.
Two state-linked alcohol sellers surprised the nation with their New Year’s Eve announcement. They apparently received the surprise decree from Al Maktoum.
However, officials from the government did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press and did not acknowledge the decision.
After years of relaxed alcohol regulations in the sheikhdom, it was finally able to offer home deliveries during lockdowns.
The UAE’s most popular travel destination, Dubai, is home to Emirates long-haul airline. Alcohol sales have been a key indicator of Dubai’s economy for many years.
The many bars in Dubai attracted football enthusiasts during the recent World Cup in Qatar.
Maritime and Mercantile International is an alcohol distributor and part of the Emirates Group.
“Since we began operations in Dubai more than 100 years ago, the emirate’s approach has remained dynamic, sensitive and inclusive,” said Tyrone Reed, of MMI.
“These recently updated regulations are useful to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE.”
MMI did not answer a question regarding whether the decision was permanent.
MMI however, placed an advertisement encouraging customers not to travel to other emirates to purchase from its stores.
Dubai residents have always travelled to Umm al-Quwain or other emirates for alcohol bulk purchases, which are tax-free.
African & Eastern, the second retailer of alcohol believed to be at minimum partially owned by the state, or its affiliates, announced the end municipal tax and licensing fees.
Dubai law states that non-Muslims must have 21 years of age to consume alcohol.
Dubai Police issues plastic cards that allow drinkers to transport, purchase, and consume alcohol.
They could be arrested or fined if they don’t comply. However, the vast network of bars and nightclubs in the sheikhdom rarely asks for the permit.
Dubai, however is a more liberal country than others in the region.
Sharjah, an Emirates that borders Dubai to the North, bans alcohol.
Abu Dhabi, capital of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates (Oil-rich UAE), ended the licensing system in September 2020.
Source link
[Denial of responsibility! wideworldmag.co.uk is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish your materials, please contact us by email – at wideworldmag.co.uk The content will be deleted within 24 hours.]
