Until then, by law, non-Muslim residents are expected to carry red plastic cards issued by the Dubai Police Force that allow them to buy and carry alcohol.
The authorities in Dubai have decided to further relax the laws governing the sale and possession of alcohol, with the aim of reviving the economy of the emirate severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, reports this Wednesday, August 19. Associated Press agency.
In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, Dubai has changed the system allowing resident aliens to buy alcohol. Until then, by law, non-Muslim residents are expected to carry red plastic cards issued by the Dubai Police Force allowing them to buy, transport and consume beer, wine and liquor.
A simplified process
Otherwise, they risk fines or even arrest, although in practice most bars, nightclubs and discos never ask to see the license.
Now the application process is streamlined, requiring just an ID card. This request no longer requires the employer’s authorization.
Previously, employers could prevent non-Muslims from obtaining a card even if an employee was entitled to do so, which happened with some expatriates working for Emirati companies whose owners had religious objections to alcohol.
Falling sales
Global alcohol sales by volume fell in 2019 to 128.79 million liters, down 3.5% from the 133.42 million liters sold the previous year, according to Euromonitor statistics cited by the same source.
2019 sales are down almost 9% from 2017, when they stood at 141.51 million liters sold.
