Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

Hello all

I am a new joiner who is currently weighing up the prospects of moving to Dubai. This is an excellent forum to conduct research but there is one issue on which I am not quite clear.

Booze - I'm aware of the requirement for ex-pats to obtain a licence but here's the kicker....although I'm born and raised in England, I'm of Muslim descent. From what I can find out so far, the alcohol licence is only available to non-muslims.

So my question is effectively - Are there any ways around this so I can be treated just like any other expat?!

I have seen references to having to register if you are a muslim but I would put my faith down as Agnostic and hope to get a licence that way. Although my name (and face!) would give it away, I'm wondering how strictly this aspect of the law is enforced against non-practicing muslims!

Any help would be much appreciated. don't much fancy going on the wagon for a few years!

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

you might have problems getting a licence but you can go to other emirates and buy booze there. not strictly legal but widely done

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

That would be fine for drinking at home but I'm guessing it means I wouldn't be able to get a drink in a hotel bar or restaurant?!

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

no you'll be fine...muslim guys in national dress drink openly in bars and restaurants here...

MM, xx

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

Do NOT put your faith down as 'agnostic'......

........ no such thing out here............

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

Well that's some comfort, thanks MM! ;)

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

Don't you think you should seek medical help if drinking is such a compulsion with you?

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

Ah, thanks for the tip!!

I'm reluctant to put down Muslim as that would completely prevent me from getting a licence (as I understand it). And if do put down Muslim but later get pulled up by an over-zealous official for having a drink in a bar, then I wouldn't have a leg to stand on. In which case do you think I should just put down another of the main religions? Or Mormon?!

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

yes...we always find it a comforting sight as well...if they are goodlooking that is...

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

Hardly a compulsion, Bijilo. Just want to be fully informed about what the position would be if I decided to make the move. At no point did I suggest that I would not move if I couldn't have the drink but not being able to have even an occasional drink for a 3yr + period is a lifestyle choice.

Don't you think you should be using your time more productively instead of posting unhelpful responses to genuine queries? ;)

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

You could try telling the truth. We cannot advise you to lie to a government.

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

Yes, I suppose a a grizzly bear with a pint isn't the most appealing of sights!

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

Still not found anything better to do I see!

To clarify, I am not asking for advice about how to lie to the Government but there is a difference between what is technically illegal and what is, in practice, permitted or tolerated. The purpose of the query is simply to try and get some clarity on where the boundaries lie on this particular issue. I don't think someone who comes on this forum for this purpose deserves or needs your pointless remarks.

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

No, my point is valid. We cannot advise you to say something that is not true. But I can't be bothered with you either so I'll discontinue remarking.

Re: Alcohol - That old chestnut
 

Well that's a relief. Pity you couldn't resist your eristic urges in the first place, though. Good day to you.