According to the alcoholic beverage law, it is illegal to purchase and consume alcohol without a liquor license. Drinking in public and driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable offense and to drink in a bar or a restaurant you need to be 21 or older. Abu Dhabi is relatively liberal towards the alcoholic beverages and its consumption. Only hotels and sports clubs are authorized to serve alcoholic drinks in their bars and restaurants. Only Licensed liquor shops can sell alcohol to consumers with liquor license for home consumption. Supermarkets or normal shops never sell alcohol in the UAE.

Muslims are prohibited by religion and law from using alcohol. You are required to hold a liquor license by law in order to purchase alcoholic beverages legally from an alcohol shop. If you are a resident of Abu Dhabi and a non-Muslim, applying for a liquor license in Abu Dhabi is straightforward. An application form to be obtained from any branch of Spinneys Liquor, ADMMI, High Spirits or A&E. The completed form along with a letter of NOC & salary information from the employer, a copy of the passport with visa page, photos and fees to be returned to the store. The liquor store will then process the request through police on behalf of you. You can even submit the documents directly to the Licensing Department of the Police Station in Abu Dhabi. Once approved, you can buy alcohol from any licensed liquor shops available throughout Abu Dhabi. The license is valid only in the issuing emirates such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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