AdminAuthorities in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi have has ended the licensing system to purchase and consume alcohol.
According to an official circular from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism published on September 15, consumers must be 21 years of age and the purchase should be for personal consumption only.
“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,” said a circular.
Previously, buyers were required a license to purchase, transport or consume alcohol at home. The circular ends a legal grey area as it did not specify if Muslims are forbidden to buy alcohol.
Tourists too were not permitted to acquire a permit to purchase alcohol, but they were allowed to drink in licensed venues such as bars, hotels and clubs.
This comes as Abu Dhabi seeks to rebuild their tourism industry affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The country is also preparing to receive tourists from Israel after a landmark deal to normalize relations between Israel and the UAE was signed earlier this month.
The first direct flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi took place on August 31, with a return flight the next day.
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