There’s a new process for getting your alcohol licence in Dubai, making it simpler and faster for those eligible for a licence to acquire one.

The new application process was launched on Sunday August 9, and now you just need one thing to get your new licence – your Emirates ID.

Available only for non-Muslims over the age of 21, applicants now only need to take their Emirates ID to any A+E or MMI store. It will still cost Dhs 270 to process, and once it’s approved licence holders can legally buy alcohol in Dubai's MMI and A+E retail stores.

Earlier this year, a new home delivery service was launched, which you will also need this new licence for.

All current red licences need to be converted to the new black card by August 31, 2020. Any remaining months left on a red card will be added to the new black smart licence. The red cards will not be valid after that point.

New licence applications and renewals will also get Dhs1,500 worth of vouchers to use in-store and at selected bars and restaurants across Dubai.

The approval process takes a couple of days and you can purchase from then. The new card should be ready about two to three weeks.

In order to obtain an alcohol licence, you have to be non-Muslim, over the age of 21 and living in Dubai.

An alcohol licence permits the licence holder, and that person only, to consume, store, transport or possess alcohol.

Tourists can buy alcohol from any MMI and A+E store by showing their passport.

“Getting a licence has now become so much easier,” said Mike Glen, managing director of MMI – UAE & Oman.

"By transitioning to the new system, the amount of paperwork involved has been dramatically reduced. We’re always looking for new ways to make the shopping experience as simple as possible and keep our customers on the right side of the law.”

Sean Hennessey, general manager of African + Eastern – UAE Retail and Oman, added, “We welcome the new process which makes applying for an alcohol license in Dubai simpler, faster and more accessible. The simpler application process allows consumers to easily apply in any one of the A+E or MMI conveniently located across the city by submitting their Emirates ID. With tourists also coming back to Dubai, they will continue to be able to benefit from being able to shop in any of our stores, legally and safely, they simply need to take their original passport to register.” 

To order alcohol online legally visit legalhomedelivery.com.

For more information visit www.alcohollicencedubai.com.