The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the cancellation of alcohol licences for individuals in the capital.
In a circular, dated 15 September, DCT Abu Dhabi has stated that residents and tourists will no longer require an alcohol licence.
The circular also states that individuals are permitted to buy and possess alcohol from licensed retail shops. Residents and tourists can also drink within tourism and hotel establishments, clubs and independent outlets as long as they follow the stated requirements.
These requirements include that the individual must be 21 years old and that the purchase is meant for personal use only.
Drinks are allowed to be consumed in private homes or licensed venues.
The new rules apply only to individuals in Abu Dhabi and no announcements have been made in Dubai yet.
DCT Abu Dhabi stated that this new step has been made “with an overall objective to develop and improve quality standards of the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi.”
The full circular can be found on the official website of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism.