A tricky question!

[Willsy1]

This is one for the brainboxes on here!

I am looking to move to Dubai in a couple of months and this is the scenario.

I am a British male married to a Muslim and I have converted to Islam from Christian. We haven't had an Islamic blessing or anything, but technically I would have to put Muslim down as my religion (as it is forbidden for a Muslim female to marry a non Muslim) Ignoring visa issues.. Will I be able to apply for an alcohol licence? My understanding is that Muslims are not allowed alcohol licences, but I'm not sure if this applies to everyone. I believe that the documents go to the police for verification, so telling a porky about my religion would also be a no no..

As my job would involve a significant amount of networking, would it hinder this if I am unable to get a licence?

[Ogri750]

As I understand it, Muslims cannot apply for or hold an alcohol licence in the UAE.

That said, if you visit one of the outlets in emirates other than Dubai, that do not require a licence, you will find numerous shoppers wearing the dishdasha buying alcohol.

As for restricting your networking, it shouldn't make any difference

[jessil]

AJMAN N UAQ is the best place..

[Willsy1]

Now this opens another can of worms... If I was stopped in the car with alcohol bought in another Emirate, then that's an offence isn't it?

When I said networking, it would involve taking clients for dinner/lunch so would they be able to use their licence and I pick up the tab..?

[Ogri750]

Yes, if you were stopped, it could cause problems.

As for your scenario about clients, I have never had to produce a licence anywhere whilst having a meal.

[mayotom]

you will never be asked for a licence to buy alcohol in a bar/Restaurant, although I'm not sure what the law says about this

[levlinm]

You will not need a licence to buy drinks at a bar..however you will need 1 the buy and stock alcohol from shops..yes there is always the option of buying from Ajman or Um Al Quwain but make sure you travel with someone who has a alcohol licence so that even if you are stopped you will not have a problem..
The other option also is Duty Free whilst traveling you can buy and stock if you don't have a licence.

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by Willsy1

This is one for the brainboxes on here!

I am looking to move to Dubai in a couple of months and this is the scenario.

I am a British male married to a Muslim and I have converted to Islam from Christian. We haven't had an Islamic blessing or anything, but technically I would have to put Muslim down as my religion (as it is forbidden for a Muslim female to marry a non Muslim) Ignoring visa issues.. Will I be able to apply for an alcohol licence? My understanding is that Muslims are not allowed alcohol licences, but I'm not sure if this applies to everyone. I believe that the documents go to the police for verification, so telling a porky about my religion would also be a no no..

As my job would involve a significant amount of networking, would it hinder this if I am unable to get a licence?

As others have correctly stated, muslims cannot obtain an alcohol licence. This means that you will not be able to buy alcohol from the booze shops (A+E & MMI)in Dubai and also that you should not keep any in your home. Others have said you can buy alcohol from other emirates, but without a licence you ought not to be transporting it through Sharjah or keeping it at home.

Outlets never ask people for a licence when serving alcohol in hotels or restaurants.

-

[Andy Capp]

I was in Muscat last week and saw a veiled omani woman in a nightclub drinking a bottle of heinekin - how i wish i could have taken a pic!!!!!

[levlinm]

im sure they would have arrested you for doing so ...haha...!!!