Abu Dhabi to allow alcohol sales during Islamic holidays

Abu Dhabi will allow restaurants and bars to sell alcohol during religious occasions going forward, according to reports.

The National cited a circular from the Department of Culture and Tourism issued two weeks ago as confirming the change.

Alcohol will be permitted in licenced areas during “all religious occasions throughout the year and in upcoming years”, the department was quoted as saying.

The news follows a series of reforms announced in the emirate’s tourism sector in recent weeks.

A circular issued at the end of May will see a 30 per cent tax applied to alcohol sales in shops and a licence fee for residents from June 15.

Read: Abu Dhabi to introduce 30% alcohol tax

Tourism fees in the UAE capital have also been reduced from 6 per cent to 3.5 per cent, while municipality fees have been cut from 4 per cent to 2 per cent, official news agency WAM reported on Tuesday.

Read: Abu Dhabi cuts tourism and municipality fees at hotels

In the past, restaurants and bars were prevented from selling alcohol on the night before religious holidays including Waqfat Arafa, Isra’a Wal Miraj, the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday and Islamic New Year.

Read: UAE announces private sector holiday for Isra’a Wal Miraj

Under the rule change, alcohol can now be served on and before these occasions but there will still be restrictions on entertainment activities and parties, with the exception of weddings and charity functions.

Abu Dhabi is currently engaging in a drive to boost tourism numbers after attracting 10 per cent more visitors last year.

The emirate is aiming for 5.5 million to 6 million tourists in 2018 and 7.5 million a year by 2030.