30% tax on all alcoholic beverages removed in Dubai, personal liquor licences will be free to obtain

Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI), the UAE’s leading beverage import, marketing, sales, retail and distribution organisation, has removed the 30% municipality tax on all alcoholic beverages across its 21 stores in Dubai as well as the personal liquor licence fee. These updates are in line with the directives from the Government of Dubai relating to the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the city.

From 1^st January, 2023 personal liquor licences will be free-to-obtain for those eligible to legally purchase alcoholic beverages in Dubai. A valid Emirates ID, or Passport for tourists, will still be required to apply. This can be done at any MMI store.

Tyrone Reid, Group CEO of Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) & Emirates Leisure Retail said, “Following the announcement by the Government of Dubai to remove the 30% municipality tax on sales of alcoholic beverages, we are pleased to announce that this will be reflected across all alcoholic beverage products in all our 21 MMI stores in Dubai, effective 1^st January.

Since we began our operations in Dubai over 100 years ago, the Emirate’s approach has remained dynamic, sensitive, and inclusive for all. These recently updated regulations are instrumental to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE. Our MMI Customer Services Team will be happy to help and support Residents and Tourists with their application,” concluded Reid.

Following its recent openings in Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Harbour, Town Square and Jumeirah Golf Estates, MMI now has a total of 21 stores across convenient locations in Dubai, and a portfolio of over 2,000 products. It includes a comprehensive selection of world-class brands across all categories of beers and spirits, plus an extensive catalogue of wine labels from around the world.

A person must be at least 21 to drink legally in the UAE, and alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licenced public places.