Dubai ends 30% tax on alcohol sales, liquor license fees in New Year’s Day decree – National | 24CA News

Dubai ended its 30% tax on alcohol gross sales within the sheikhdom Sunday and made its required liquor licenses free to acquire, ending a long-standing income for its ruling household to apparently additional enhance its tourism to the emirate.

The sudden New Year’s Day announcement, made by Dubai’s two state-linked alcohol retailers, got here apparently from a authorities decree from its ruling Al Maktoum household. However, authorities officers didn’t instantly acknowledge the choice and didn’t reply to questions from The Associated Press.

But it follows years of loosening laws over liquor within the sheikhdom, which now sells alcohol throughout daylight in Ramadan and commenced offering dwelling supply throughout the lockdowns initially of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alcohol gross sales have lengthy served as a significant barometer of the economic system of Dubai, a high journey vacation spot within the UAE, dwelling to the long-haul service Emirates. During the current World Cup in close by Qatar, Dubai’s many bars drew commuting soccer followers.

Alcohol distributor Maritime and Mercantile International, which is a part of the broader Emirates Group, made the announcement in a press release.

“Since we began our operations in Dubai over 100 years ago, the emirate’s approach has remained dynamic, sensitive and inclusive for all,” mentioned Tyrone Reid of MMI. “These recently updated regulations are instrumental to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE.”

MMI didn’t reply to a query over whether or not the choice was everlasting. However, an advert put up by MMI urged clients to purchase from its shops, saying “you no longer need to drive out to the other emirates.” Dubai residents lengthy have pushed into Umm al-Quwain and different emirates for bulk, tax-free alcohol purchases.

African & Eastern, the second alcohol retailer believed to be a minimum of partially held by the state or affiliated corporations, additionally introduced the top of the municipality tax and license charges.

Under Dubai regulation, non-Muslims should be 21 or older to eat alcohol. Drinkers are supposed to hold plastic playing cards issued by the Dubai police that let them to buy, transport and eat beer, wine and liquor. Otherwise, they will face fines and arrest _ although the sheikhdom’s huge community of bars, nightclubs and lounges nearly by no means ask to see the allow.

Still, comparatively liberal Dubai is an outlier amongst others within the area. Sharjah, an emirate that borders Dubai to the north, outlaws alcohol, as do the close by nations of Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the oil-rich UAE, ended its alcohol license system in September 2020.

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