Starting on January 1, 2025, the 30% Dubai alcohol tax will officially be reinstated, meaning the price of boozy beverages is about to become much more expensive in the city.
While this 30% alcohol tax was rather abruptly halted on January 1, 2023, the suspension was initially meant to last one year. However, it was extended through 2024. While many expats and tourists were hoping that the extension would become permanent, in December 2024, Dubai announced that it would officially bring back the alcohol tax in 2025.
This means that the price of alcoholic drinks is about to go up in bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues around the city, as well as at designated alcohol shops, like MMI and African + Eastern.
While this isn’t great news for those who like to imbibe on the regular, the good news is that the price of getting an alcohol license in Dubai is still 100% free.
