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Why Dubai is scrapping its 30% tax on alcohol

2023-01-02T18:04:25.686Z


This measure should strengthen the attraction of Dubai among tourists and expatriate residents, attracted by the more liberal lifestyle than that of other Gulf cities.


The big cities of the Gulf region compete for the favors of tourists, even if it means a few amenities.

The latest example comes from Dubai.

The wealthy emirate has scrapped its 30% tax on alcohol sales, according to distributors, ostensibly to attract more tourists, amid competition between major cities in the Gulf region.

The abolition of this tax, announced on social networks by Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) and African and Eastern but not confirmed by the authorities, will make it possible to reduce prices among the highest in the world, the pint of beer (half -litre) costing an average of fifteen euros.

Read alsoDubai, 50 years of an unlikely destination

MMI and African and Eastern have also indicated that the license to be able to buy alcohol, in force for non-Muslims over the age of 21 and who are required to obtain their supplies from the few approved shops in Dubai, is now free.

“Buying your favorite drinks just got easier and cheaper!”

, welcomed MMI in a publication on Facebook.

According to local media, the decision took effect on January 1.

More than a million visitors per month

A financial, commercial and tourist centre, Dubai is also the best known of the seven members of the federation of the United Arab Emirates, a Muslim country that is one of the largest oil exporters in the world and which has gradually relaxed the rules for the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia, most of the UAE is home to licensed liquor outlets, including hotels, restaurants, bars, and dedicated stores.

However, alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed in public.

Of the country's seven emirates, only Sharjah, neighboring Dubai, completely prohibits alcohol.

The move to make consumption cheaper in Dubai comes as Saudi Arabia continues strong efforts to attract foreign visitors and businesses, and gas-rich Qatar recently hosted the FIFA World Cup.

Dubai attracted more than 12 million foreign visitors in the first eleven months of the year, twice as many as the roughly six million visitors during the same period in 2021, according to the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai.

SEE ALSO

- The Museum of the Future opened its doors in early 2022 in Dubai

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2023-01-02

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