Abu Dhabi residents will no longer need a licence to buy and drink alcohol, a letter issued by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has indicated.
A note sent to distribution companies and retailers said they were not required to ask customers to produce a card that showed they were eligible to buy alcohol.
“We would like to announce the cancellation of alcohol licenses for individuals,” the circular said. “Residents and tourists will be permitted to buy and possess alcohol from licensed retail shops, and are allowed to drink within tourism and hotel establishments, clubs and independent outlets.”
Customers must be at least 21 and the purchase should be for personal use, not resale, and alcohol should also be consumed in private homes or licensed areas only.
