Dubai lifts spirits of tourists, relaxes liquor rules

Dubai has boosted the spirits of tourists. The highrise-dotted, glittering emirate, the high-water mark of trends and lifestyle, has loosened its liquor laws to allow travellers or visitors to buy bottles of alcohol in state-controlled stores.

This was a facility hitherto available only for residents who had a permit to buy the drinks. The country's two major liquor store chains are Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) and African & Eastern.

However, the laws also address a long-standing legal issue facing tourists who want to hit the bottle. Throwing back shots, sipping a beer or indulging in a champagne-soaked brunch in this city technically remains illegal without a drinker holding a permit.

“Travel and tourism will continue to play an important role in the development of alcoholic drinks in the United Arab Emirates, at least until Expo 2020," Euromonitor said, referring to Dubai's hosting of the world's fair next year. "After Expo 2020, sales will be more influenced by in-country demographics and dynamics."

In 2016, Dubai eased rules prohibiting daytime alcohol sales during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The new procedure on alcohol permits allows tourists to obtain one for free at either African & Eastern or MMI stores after showing their passports and signing a pledge that they aren't Muslim and will follow local law.