As a Muslim country, Dubai has strict regulations surrounding the trade and consumption of Alcohol. Therefore, if you are planning to open an establishment in Dubai that serves alcohol, one of the many mandatory requirements is to secure an alcohol license for your business.
This article will walk you through the essentials of acquiring an alcohol license in Dubai for your establishment including requirements and process to apply.
Types of Alcohol License in Dubai
As mentioned earlier, the purchase and consumption of alcohol are heavily regulated, making an alcohol license mandatory.
There are four types of alcohol licenses in Dubai for businesses and Individuals:
1. License to import alcohol (Type A)
The Type A license allows businesses to import alcohol into the UAE. This is essential for companies looking to supply bars, restaurants, hotels, and other venues with alcohol.
2. License to sell alcohol from a warehouse to third-party shops (Type B)
A Type B license allows businesses to sell alcohol to third parties (like hotels, restaurants, etc.). Therefore, Anyone interested in the alcohol trade must obtain a Type B alcohol license.
3. License to sell alcohol in a hotel, restaurant, or club (Type C)
The Type C alcohol license allows businesses to serve alcohol for immediate consumption. It also lets you transport alcohol to a licensed establishment and purchase drinks from a store that holds a Type B license. Keep in mind that type C alcohol licenses are usually granted to luxury restaurants, hotels, and designated areas. Not all restaurants are eligible.
4. License to purchase alcohol as an individual (Type D)
The Type D license is meant for individuals to buy alcohol from Type B-licensed warehouses for personal use. It is a required license for non-Muslim residents to be able to drink at home. The license is also available for tourists and is valid for 30 days.
It is important to note that your business must be registered in Dubai/UAE before you can apply for the Type A, B, and C liquor licenses. Refer to our guide on How to Register a Business in Dubai for more details on registering a business in Dubai.
Since the Alcohol Trading License (Type C) is the most common license for businesses such as bars, restaurants, and hotels in the UAE, this article will focus on the requirements and process to secure that.
Requirements for a Type C Alcohol License in Dubai
Before you can start applying for a Type C alcohol license in Dubai, both you and your business must meet several requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a type c alcohol license, the representative must meet the following criteria:
- Must be over 21 years old
- Must be a non-Muslim
- Must be a resident of Dubai with a valid Emirates ID
- If you are a resident of another emirate, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required
Alcohol Trading License Requirements for Business
In addition to the personal eligibility requirements, your business must meet the following to be able to apply for an Alcohol License:
- Must have a valid trade license
- The establishment must be a hotel, restaurant, or club
- Must be at least 30 meters away from mosques or Islamic centers
Application Process for a Type C Alcohol Trading License
Once you gather all the required documents, you can proceed to the alcohol license application procedure.
Step 1: Prepare and Submit the Alcohol Trading License Application to DTCM
In Dubai, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is responsible for issuing the Alcohol Trading License for bars and restaurants.
To begin the application process, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Application form for Type C alcohol trading license
- A copy of a valid Passport
- Your Emirates ID
- Passport-size photographs
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Dubai Municipality
- Business details including address and partner information as well as the trading license
Emerhub’s local experts can gather the necessary documents and handle the submissions on your behalf to ensure accuracy and a smooth process.
Step 2: Pay the Fee
After submitting the application, the next step is to pay the state fee for the alcohol license for your business. A Type C alcohol license costs approximately AED 6,500 for a regular license and AED 7,500 for an elite license. Both licenses are valid for one year.
The main difference between a regular license and an elite license is the type of establishment you need the license for. As the name suggests, an elite license is ideal for higher-end venues or those with additional privileges.
Step 3: Inspection of the Premises and Approval
During processing, your establishment may receive an inspection from a Dubai police representative. If you pass the inspection, processing should continue smoothly.
The general processing time for a liquor license in Dubai is two to four weeks.
Once issued, the license is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.
Secure the Alcohol Trading License for Your Business with Emerhub
Ready to apply for a liquor license in Dubai for your business? Emerhub’s business licensing experts are well-versed in UAE regulations and will handle the entire process on your behalf.
Book a free consultation to discuss your needs and plans with our business advisors by filling out the form below.
