A good rest for many is impossible without tasting wines and other alcohol. Therefore, going to the UAE, tourists take it with them, buy it in Duty – free or plan to buy it in the country at the place of arrival. However, keep in mind that the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country. For example, in Fujairah, alcohol is limited, and in some regions it is completely prohibited.
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Where you can and where you can not drink alcohol
The attitude towards alcoholic beverages in the UAE has always been negative. But with the development of tourism, these restrictions had to be revised. Now tourists and guests of the country are allowed to drink in special places, there are shops selling alcohol, including in Fujairah. But vacationers need to be aware of the limitations. Otherwise, the violation will face a significant fine. Repeated prohibition on entry for a certain time.
About alcohol in the emirate of Fujairah:
- Use is allowed in restaurants, bars, hotel rooms.
- You can bring drinks with you, or buy in special shops.
- Any alcohol of factory production is allowed.
- Selling drinks only under a license, buying from unlicensed sellers is a direct violation of the law.
- It is allowed to carry alcoholic beverages through the emirate, there are no customs rules between regions.
The only emirate where alcohol is completely banned is Sharjah. But even here, tourists, risking fines, use it in hotel rooms and inns. They buy it in other cities of the UAE – El Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai. The latter is a 20-minute drive, which is convenient for shopping and souvenir shopping.
Liquor stores in Fujairah
The first thing that vacationers face when looking for alcohol in Fujairah is the lack of specialized stores. It is not sold in large shopping centers, in the market or in shops in the city center. This also applies to low-alcohol drinks – beer, cocktails. You need to look for on the outskirts of the resorts, some hotels offer drinks on their territory. Another way to taste wine or whiskey is to order dinner (lunch) at a restaurant. But before that, you need to find out if there is a wine list there.
Shops and specialized points for the sale of alcohol in Fujairah:
- The Cellars. This is a large supermarket located on the outskirts of the capital Fujairah. Landmark – there is a tennis club nearby. It offers traditional European drinks, as well as exclusive ones from other countries of the world. Prices are not too high, the average cost of a bottle of wine is from 50 dirhams.
- Hotel Sandy Beach Hotel (Sandy Beach Hotel). The outlet is located on its territory; prices are slightly higher than in stores. The choice is small, open from 8:00 to 18:00. Officially, drinking in the rooms is prohibited, but the staff does not monitor this.
- Holiday Motel beach Motel. This is a small hotel; the shop is located in the lobby. They sell only legal alcohol in Fujairah, there is an official license. Advantage – located on the highway leading to Dubai and Sharjah, you can buy on the road.
- Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort. Here, in addition to wine, vodka, gin and whiskey, you can buy low-alcohol drinks. The shopping complex is relatively large, there is a choice of products.
Additionally, local cafes and restaurants can make cocktails and offer beer. Buying alcohol in Fujairah from unlicensed vendors is not recommended. The quality of products does not always meet the standards, there is a risk of getting a fine. More often this applies to working migrants, for whom UAE laws provide for fines of up to 5,000 dirhams or deportation.
Drinking in illegal places
In any emirates of the country it is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places. Depending on local laws, a tourist can be fined as much as 1,000 dirhams due to such a violation. But it all depends on his behavior. If he resists, expresses unwillingness to pay, the guest of the country can be imprisoned for up to 5 days. As a result, the fine will increase. The final amount will be determined by the court.
How to avoid punishment:
- Drink in your room or at a local restaurant.
- After drinking, you cannot go out, visit beaches and other public places.
- Special fines for drunk driving. This can be punishable by a prison term of up to 1 year if the offender denies his guilt.
- If the distance from the restaurant to the hotel is long, after drinking alcohol in Fujairah, it is recommended to order a taxi.
Any communication with representatives of the law should not be raised. It is forbidden to offer bribes or other material values. This will only complicate the situation, since in addition to detention for drunkenness, attempts to bribe an official will be charged.
How much alcohol can be entered in the UAE
The volume of alcoholic beverages transported through customs points is determined in each emirate separately. So, in Sharjah, the import of alcohol is completely prohibited. In other emirates it is allowed, but with certain restrictions. The check is carried out at the customs control point at the airport of arrival. They can also check the luggage of a tourist when he leaves the country.
Allowances for the transport of alcoholic beverages in Fujairah and other emirates of the UAE:
- Fujairah. You can enter 4 liters, regardless of the type. However, this is controlled only at the airport of the emirate, where passenger flights from the CIS do not arrive. There are no checkpoints on roads and highways.
- Abu Dhabi. Also allowed to import 4 liters of alcohol. The screening takes place at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
- Dubai. In addition to strong drinks, you can carry low-alcohol drinks. In particular – 24 cans of beer.
The same rules apply to the export of products. During the rest, you can make an unlimited supply of alcohol. In Fujairah, it is recommended to store it in refrigerators; alcohol should not be displayed outdoors.