Foreign expatriates residing or visiting UAE must always be aware of the

rules and regulations of the country in order to avoid detention. 

Ignorantia Juris non-excusat is a

well-known legal term connoting ignorance of law excuses no one which is

affirmed worldwide. Foreign expatriates residing or visiting UAE must

always be aware of the rules and regulations of the country in order to

avoid detention. UAE is a mixed bag of traditional and modern culture

which attracts numerous tourist around the world every year. UAE's

nightlife is a dream for tourists but doesn't let it become a nightmare.

Consequently, Criminal Lawyers of Dubai will guide you through this

article several ways through which you can avoid an unpleasant stay in

this beautiful country.

UAE Criminal Law, Federal Law Number 3 of 1987 under Article 313

prohibits the consumption of alcohol in public place; the law reads as

follows:

"Shall be sentenced to detention for a term not exceeding one month or

to a fine not excess of two thousand dirhams, whoever:

public place used for this purpose may be ordered to close down for a

period not exceeding one month."

However, there are several restaurants and bars where an individual is

allowed to drink. Also, there are places where one can buy liquor with a

valid license. Thus, it is pertinent to possess a valid liquor license

in the country as that way you can purchase liquor and if found drunk

can avoid detention.

Federal Law Number 21 of 1995 regarding Traffic prohibits and penalizes

any driver driving under the influence of alcohol, or narcotic drugs

which is reflected from Article 10 of the said law reads as follows:

"The driver of any vehicle shall refrain himself from driving if under

the influence of wine, liquor or any other narcotic substances."

The punishment under this law is separate from the punishment one may

face under the Criminal Law for possessing liquor or narcotic drugs.

The offender may attract imprisonment as well as fine for violation of

this law. The fine may vary from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 with a maximum

imprisonment of 6 months.

Tourist may only carry or purchase 4 litres of alcohol from Dubai

Duty-Free, and the purchaser must be above the age of 18 years.

Consuming liquor at the workplace is prohibited under UAE law and allows

the employer to terminate you without prior notice in accordance with

Article 12 of Federal Law Number 8 of 1980.

Alcohol rules in the Emirate of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are still reposed as

compared to other Emirates by allowing alcohol in nightclubs and

restaurants. It is pertinent to hold a license issued by the Ministry of

Interior for buying and drinking alcohol in the country.

License for liquor is only issued for non-Muslims having residency in

UAE. UAE Laws imposes severe penalties for Muslims who are found

inebriated state. A Non-Muslim resident can apply for a Liquor license

if he or she is above the age of 21 years with a valid residency visa

along with the employment contract.