New alcohol rules in Dubai: On New Year’s Day, the Dubai administration announced the elimination of liquor licencing fees and the imposition of a 30% tax on alcohol sales in order to increase tourism. This effectively eliminated a long-standing source of money for the ruling family in order to boost tourism to the emirate.
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Announcement appeared to be based on a government edict issued by the ruling Al Maktoum family
The New Year’s Day announcement by Dubai’s two state-linked alcohol stores appeared to be based on a government edict issued by the ruling Al Maktoum family. However, it follows years of relaxation of liquor rules in the sheikhdom, which now sells alcohol during daylight hours throughout Ramadan and began offering home delivery during the coronavirus pandemic’s lockdowns. For a long time, alcohol sales have been a key barometer of Dubai’s economy.
Commuter football enthusiasts attended Dubai’s numerous pubs during the recent World Cup in nearby Qatar.
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The announcement was made by Maritime & Mercantile International, an Emirates Group company.
“The emirate’s approach has remained innovative, sensitive, and inclusive for all since we began our operations in Dubai over 100 years ago,” stated Tyrone Reid of MMI.
“These recently updated regulations are instrumental to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE.” MMI also ran an ad enticing customers to shop at its stores, claiming that “you no longer need to drive out to the other emirates.”
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