While the country has moved away from a blanket criminalization of alcohol consumption, the legal framework remains carefully controlled and uneven across emirates. Differences Across EmiratesAlcohol policy in the UAE is not uniform:Sharjah enforces total prohibition, banning the sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol. Legal Guidance and ComplianceDespite recent reforms, alcohol law in the UAE remains one of careful regulation rather than unrestricted access. FAQs:Is alcohol legal in the UAE? Depending on the offense, penalties may include large fines, imprisonment, confiscation of alcohol, closure of businesses, and deportation for non-citizens.

Source: The Nation January 04, 2026 09:33 UTC