Guide to special permits in Dubai (alcohol permits, fishing permits, drone permits, etc.)

Are you planning to live, work, or invest in Dubai? Did you know that certain everyday activities, such as buying alcohol, fishing, flying a drone, or hunting, require an official permit?

Dubai isa modern and dynamic city, but also a place where rules are strictly enforced. Ignoring these procedures can result in heavy fines or even criminal penalties. It is therefore essential to fully understand how these permits work before settling in or enjoying your free time.

In this comprehensive guide, you will discover:

• how to obtain a liquor license,
  
• the steps to obtain a drone license,
  
• conditions for recreational fishing,
  
• and what you need to know about the highly regulated hunting license.

Ready to explore in detailthese essential permits for living peacefully in Dubai? Then let's get started!

Why are certain licenses mandatory in Dubai?

Dubai attracts expatriates and tourists, but certain activities require a special permit.

Dubai enforces strict laws for the safety and protection of society. Certain permits are mandatory to comply with the law, protect public safety, and ensure proper organization in daily life.

Permits exist for three main reasons:

1. Safety: avoid accidents (e.g., drones or fishing).
   
2. Legal control: regulating certain activities (e.g., alcohol).
   
3. Protection: preserving the environment and public health.

The liquor license in Dubai

Find out how to obtain a liquor license in Dubai!

1. Eligibility requirements

Here are the main requirements for obtaining a liquor license in Dubai:

• Age: must be at least 21 years old.
  
• Religion: reserved for non-Muslims.
  
• Residence: be a resident of Dubai with a valid visa.
  
• Situation: proof of income or an employment contract is often requested.

2. Procedure for obtaining

Here is the procedure for obtaining a liquor license in Dubai:

• Where: Requests can be made at authorized stores (African+Eastern, MMI).
  
• How: fill out a form online or directly in-store.
  
• Documents: copy of passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, passport photo, and proof of salary or employment contract.
  
• Validation: after verification, the permit is usually issued within a few days.

3. Validity and cost

Here is the current information on the validity and cost of a personal liquor license in Dubai:

• Validity: The permit is valid for 12 months. It must be renewed annually if you wish to continue purchasing alcohol legally.
  
• Cost: Since January 1, 2023, personal alcohol licenses have been free (no fees) for eligible individuals in Dubai. Prior to this, the license cost approximately 270 dirhams per year.

4. Penalties for driving without a license

In Dubai, consuming or purchasing alcohol without a license can result in:

• Fines: several thousand dirhams.
  
• Confiscation: seizure of illegally purchased alcohol.
  
• Legal proceedings: in the event of serious or repeated offenses.

Fortunately, since 2020, the law has been relaxed: adult non-Muslims can legally drink at home or in authorized places. But to buy alcohol in stores, a permit is still required.

Drone license in Dubai

Now let's see how to obtain a drone license in Dubai!

1. Types of use: recreational vs. commercial

Here are the differences between recreational and commercial drone use in Dubai:

• Recreational: for leisure, personal photos. You must register your drone, fly only in authorized areas, respect the height limit, and avoid sensitive locations.
  
• Commercial: for work purposes (films, advertising, inspections, deliveries). A special license, training, insurance, and stricter authorizations are required for certain areas.

2. Registration procedure

Here is the current procedure for registering/obtaining a drone license in Dubai/the United Arab Emirates:

• Recreational (leisure)
  
  • Register via UAE Drones / MyDroneHub.
    
  • Provide Emirates ID, passport, photo, training certificate.
    
  • Indicate the model and number of the drone.
    
  • Pay approximately AED 100 (valid for 2 years).
    
  • Use the app to check the authorized areas.
    
• Commercial (professional)
  
  • Register the company with the GCAA/DCAA.
    
  • Obtain an operator authorization (UOA).
    
  • Request a NOC and authorization before each sensitive flight.
    
  • Have more advanced insurance and training.

3. Validity and costs

Here is the latest information on the validity and costs of drone permits/registrations in the United Arab Emirates (particularly for recreational use):

• Validity
  
  • Recreational: certificate valid for 2 years, then mandatory renewal.
    
  • Commercial: validity depends on operator license and flight authorizations.
    
• Costs
  
  • Recreational:
    
    • Operator registration: AED 100 (one-time fee).
      
    • Drone registration: AED 200, renewable every 2 years.
      
  • Sales representative:
    
    • Operator license (GCAA): approximately AED 1,200.
      
    • Other possible authorizations: up to AED 10,000 depending on the activity.

4. Flight restrictions and sanctions

Here is a summary of flight restrictions and penalties for non-compliance with drone regulations in Dubai/the United Arab Emirates:

• Flight restrictions
  
  • Height limited to 120 m (400 feet).
    
  • Keep the drone in sight at all times.
    
  • Prohibited near airports, military bases, and sensitive areas.
    
  • Night flying prohibited without special permission.
    
  • No photos/videos without consent to respect privacy.
    
• Penalties
  
  • Fines (up to AED 100,000 depending on the case).
    
  • Confiscation of the drone.
    
  • Possible imprisonment for dangerous theft or theft without authorization.

Fishing license in Dubai

Fishing is also highly regulated in Dubai. Let's find out how to obtain a license!

1. Who needs a permit?

Here are those who must have a recreational fishing license in Dubai, according to current rules:

• Anyone who wants to fish recreationally along the coastline, from a recreational boat, or on designated beaches.
  
• Dubai residents only: have a valid residence visa in the emirate.
  
• Emirati citizens as well.
  
• Children under 18: often exempt or may fish when accompanied by an adult with a license.

2. Procedure

Here is the current procedure for obtaining a recreational fishing license in Dubai, explained simply:

• Authority: Issued by Dubai Municipality.
  
• Documents
  
  • Passport + residence visa.
    
  • Emirates ID.
    
  • Passport photo.
    
  • Proof of residence (contract, DEWA bill, etc.).
    
  • If fishing from a boat: boat license.
    
• Delivery time: Approximately 3 business days (sometimes same day).
  
• Cost: Free for recreational fishing in Dubai.
  
• Validity: 1 year, renewable.

3. Specific rules

Here are the specific rules for recreational fishing in Dubai:

• Authorized areas
  
  • Jumeirah Beaches, Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh.
    
  • Al Mamzar Creek.
    
  • Bur Dubai Creek and some bridges.
    
• Closed seasons: No fishing from June to October (fish reproduction).
  
• Protected species
  
  • Protected species such as turtles, sharks, or undersized fish are strictly prohibited from fishing.
    
  • Certain species are prohibited during their breeding season.

In short: you can fish in specific areas, only outside of breeding season, and while respecting protected species.

4. Penalties for driving without a license

Let's take a look at the penalties for fishing without a license in Dubai/the United Arab Emirates:

• A fine of AED 2,000 if you fish without a license issued by the competent authority.
  
• For repeat offenses: suspension of the boat license (1 month) and then possible revocation if the offense is repeated.
  
• Possible penalties (federal laws) include fines of several thousand dirhams and imprisonment in serious cases.
  
• If, in addition to fishing without a license, you use prohibited equipment, catch protected species, or violate fishing seasons, the penalties are more severe (higher fines, confiscation).

Hunting license in the United Arab Emirates

Hunting is one of the most restricted activities in the United Arab Emirates. Let's take a look at how to obtain a hunting license in Dubai.

1. A rare and regulated license

Hunting licenses in the Emirates are very rare and strictly regulated. Here are the key things you need to know:

• An exceptional practice
  
  • Hunting is generally prohibited in the Emirates to protect wildlife.
    
  • The permit is granted only in exceptional cases.
    
• Who issues this permit?
  
  • The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and local authorities (such asthe Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi).
    
• Hunting permitted
  
  • Mainly falconry, considered cultural heritage.
    
  • A few designated areas, often in the desert, and always under control.
    
• Strict conditions
  
  • Permits reserved for Emirati citizens and sometimes for certain sponsored residents.
    
  • Mandatory training for hunters.
    
  • Modern weapons are prohibited: only falcons or traditional methods are permitted.

To be clear, hunting is not a leisure activity like fishing. It is a cultural practice, limited and regulatedto protect wildlife.

2. Procedure

Here is the procedure for obtaining a hunting permit in the Emirates and the species concerned:

• Special permission
  
  • Hunters must apply for a permit from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) or MOCCAE.
    
  • The permit is issued only for controlled projects or in designated hunting areas.
    
• Key steps
  
  • Submit an official application with supporting documents (identity, falconry experience, etc.).
    
  • Obtain a certificate in falconry or sustainable hunting training.
    
  • Authorization validated only if hunting complies with conservation rules.
    
• Authorized species
  
  • Only certain migratory birds may be hunted (e.g., geese).
    
  • Other local and protected terrestrial species are strictly prohibited.
    
  • All hunting must be done with a registered and identified falcon.

In summary:hunting permits are granted sparingly, for falconry only, in limited areas, and never for endangered species.

3. Very heavy penalties possible

Let's talk about the very heavy penalties for illegal hunting in the United Arab Emirates ( falconry/hunting without a license, prohibited species, etc.). The relevant laws are:

• Federal Decree No. 9 of 1983 on the hunting of animals and birds.
  
• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on Environmental Protection and Development, as amended by other laws.
  
• Abu Dhabi's specific law on hunting (Law No. 22 of 2005) and its executive regulations.

The following penalties apply to serious offenses related to illegal hunting:

• Hunting migratory birds (protected species) without authorization: Up to 6 months in prison + fine of up to AED 20,000
  
• Hunting in a reserve or protected area, or of prohibited species (gazelles, etc.): Fine + confiscation of weapons or hunting equipment
  
• Repeat offenses: Penalties doubled according to the law (higher fines, longer prison sentences)
  
• Abuse or illegal hunting of endangered species: High fine, possible imprisonment for one year or more depending on the case

Live in Dubai with peace of mind: follow the local rules!

That's it, you've reached the end of this guide.

You have learned how to obtain a liquor license, drone license, fishing license, or hunting license, as well as their conditions, costs, and potential penalties. You now know that these steps are essential to enjoying your life in Dubai without legal hassles.

By complying with regulations, you are not only protecting your peace of mind, but also your personal and professional projects in the Emirates.

If you are considering moving to or investing in Dubai, it is equally importantto have the right support for your real estate transactions.

Our Dubai Real Estate agency helps you find the ideal property, secure your investments, and navigate local procedures with confidence.

→ Discover our offers and start your real estate project in Dubai today!