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

Are you planning to living, working or investing in Dubai ? Did you know that certain everyday activities, such as to buy alcohol, to fish, fly a drone or to hunt, requires a official licence ?

Dubai eIt is a modern and vibrant city, but also a place where the rules are strictly enforced. Failing to follow 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 licence,
  
• the steps involved in obtaining a drone licence,
  
• the conditions for recreational fishing,
  
• and what you need to know about the highly regulated hunting licence.

Ready to explore these in detail?Essential permits for a stress-free life in Dubai ? Right, let’s get started!

Why are certain licences compulsory in Dubai?

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

Dubai enforces strict laws for the safety and protection of society. Certain licences are required to comply with the law, protect public safety and ensure that everyday life runs smoothly.

Driving licences exist for three main reasons:

1. Safety : to prevent accidents (e.g. drones or fishing).
   
2. Statutory audit : to regulate certain activities (e.g. alcohol).
   
3. Protection : to protect the environment and public health.

The alcohol licence in Dubai

Discover How to obtain a liquor licence in Dubai !

1. Eligibility criteria

Here is The main requirements for obtaining a liquor licence in Dubai :

• Age : to have at least 21 years old.
  
• Religion : for non-Muslims.
  
• Residence : to be a resident of Dubai with a valid visa.
  
• Location : frequently asked a proof of income or a employment contract.

2. Application procedure

Here is the Procedure for obtaining a liquor licence in Dubai :

• Where : applications should be made to authorised retailers (African+Eastern, MMI).
  
• How : fill in a form online or in-store.
  
• Documents : a copy of your passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, passport-sized photograph and proof of income or employment contract.
  
• Validation : Following verification, the licence is usually issued within a few days.

3. Validity and cost

Here is the latest information on the validity and cost of a liquor licence (personal liquor licence) in Dubai :

• Validity : The licence is valid for 12 months. It must be renewed every year if you wish to continue buying alcohol legally.
  
• Cost : Since 1 January 2023, the personal alcohol licence is free (free of charge) for those eligible in Dubai. Previously, the licence cost around 270 dirhams a year.

4. Penalties for driving without a licence

In Dubai, consuming or buying alcohol without a licence may lead to:

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

Fortunately, since 2020, the law has been relaxed: adult non-Muslims They may legally drink at home or in authorised venues. However, a licence is still required to buy alcohol in shops.

Drone licences in Dubai

Let’s take a look now How to obtain a drone licence in Dubai !

1. Types of use: recreational vs commercial

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

• Leisure : for leisure purposes, personal photos. You must register your drone, fly only in authorised areas, observe the height limit and avoid sensitive locations.
  
• Sales : for work purposes (films, advertising, inspections, deliveries). A special licence, training, insurance and stricter authorisations are required for certain areas.

2. Registration procedure

Here is the Current procedure for registering drones and obtaining drone licences in Dubai / in the United Arab Emirates:

• Recreational (leisure)
  
  • Register via UAE Drones / MyDroneHub.
    
  • Please provide your Emirates ID, passport, photograph and training certificate.
    
  • Please state the model and serial number of the drone.
    
  • Pay around 100 AED (valid for 2 years).
    
  • Use the app to check which areas are permitted.
    
• Sales (professional)
  
  • Register the company with the GCAA/DCAA.
    
  • Obtain an operator’s authorisation (UOA).
    
  • Request a NOC and authorisation before each sensitive flight.
    
  • To have insurance and more advanced training.

3. Validity and costs

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

• Validity
  
  • Leisure: certificate valid for 2 years, after which renewal is compulsory.
    
  • Commercial: validity depends on the operator’s licence and flight authorisations.
    
• Costs
  
  • Leisure:
    
    • Operator registration : 100 AED (one-off payment).
      
    • Drone registration : 200 AED, renewable every 2 years.
      
  • Sales:
    
    • Operator’s Licence (GCAA) : approximately 1,200 AED.
      
    • Other possible authorisations : up to 10,000 AED, depending on the activity.

4. Flight restrictions and penalties

Here is a summary of the Flight restrictions and penalties for breaching drone regulations in Dubai / in the United Arab Emirates:

• Flight restrictions
  
  • Height limited to 120 m (400 feet).
    
  • Keep the drone in sight at all times.
    
  • Restrictions near airports, military bases and sensitive areas.
    
  • Night-time flying prohibited without special authorisation.
    
  • No photos or videos without permission to respect privacy.
    
• Sanctions
  
  • Fines (up to 100,000 AED, depending on the circumstances).
    
  • Confiscation of the drone.
    
  • Possible imprisonment for dangerous or unauthorised flights.

Fishing licences in Dubai

Fishing is also highly regulated in Dubai. Let’s find out how to get a driving licence !

1. Who needs a licence?

Here is those who are required to hold a recreational fishing licence in Dubai, under the current rules:

• Anyone who wishes to fish for leisure along the coast, from a pleasure boat or on designated beaches.
  
• Dubai residents only : to hold a valid residence visa in the emirate.
  
• Emirati citizens as well.
  
• Children under the age of 18 : are often exempt or may fish when accompanied by an adult who holds a licence.

2. Procedure

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

• Authority : Issued by Dubai Municipality.
  
• Documents
  
  • Passport + residence visa.
    
  • Emirates ID.
    
  • Passport photo.
    
  • Proof of residence (tenancy agreement, DEWA bill, etc.).
    
  • If fishing from a boat: the boat’s licence.
    
• Turnaround time: Approximately 3 working days (sometimes the 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 :

• Permitted areas
  
  • Jumeirah Beaches, Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh.
    
  • Al Mamzar Creek.
    
  • Bur Dubai Creek and some bridges.
    
• Prohibited seasons : No fishing from June to October (fish spawning season).
  
• Protected species
  
  • Protected species such as turtles, sharks or fish that are too small are strictly prohibited for fishing.
    
  • Some species are prohibited during their breeding season.

In short: you may fish in clearly defined areas, but only outside the breeding season, and whilst respecting protected species.

4. Penalties for driving without a licence

Let’s take a look at the Penalties for fishing without a licence in Dubai / the United Arab Emirates :

• A fine of AED 2,000 if you fish without a licence issued by the relevant authority.
  
• For repeat offences : suspension of the boat licence (1 month) and, where appropriate, dismissal if the offence is repeated.
  
• Possible penalty (federal laws) including fines of several thousand dirhams and imprisonment in serious cases.
  
• If, as well as fishing without a licence, you use prohibited equipment, capture protected species or breach fishing seasons, the penalties are more severe (higher fines, confiscation).

Hunting licences in the Emirates

Hunting is one of the most heavily restricted activities in the United Arab Emirates. We’ll take a look at How to obtain a hunting licence in Dubai.

1. A rare and strictly regulated licence

Hunting licences in the Emirates is very rare and strictly regulated. Here is what you need to know:

• An exceptional practice
  
  • Hunting is generally prohibited in the Emirates to protect wildlife.
    
  • The licence is granted only in exceptional circumstances.
    
• Who issues this licence?
  
  • The Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment (MOCCAE) and local authorities (such as the’Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi).
    
• Hunting permitted
  
  • Mainly falconry, regarded as cultural heritage.
    
  • A few designated areas, often in the desert, and always under supervision.
    
• Strict conditions
  
  • Licence reserved for Emirati citizens and sometimes to certain sponsored residents.
    
  • Compulsory training for the hunter.
    
  • Prohibited modern weapons : only falcons or traditional methods are permitted.

To put it plainly, hunting is not a leisure activity like fishing. It is a cultural practice, limited and regulated forprotect wildlife.

2. Procedure

Here is the Procedure for obtaining a hunting licence in the Emirates and the species concerned:

• Special authorisation
  
  • Hunters must apply for a licence from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) or the MOCCAE.
    
  • The licence is issued solely for audited projects or in designated hunting areas.
    
• Key steps
  
  • Submit a formal application along with supporting documents (proof of identity, falconry experience, etc.).
    
  • Obtaining a falconry training certificate or sustainable hunting.
    
  • Authorisation approved only if the hunt complies with conservation rules.
    
• Permitted species
  
  • Only certain migratory birds may be hunted (for example, the great bustards).
    
  • Others local and protected terrestrial species are strictly prohibited.
    
  • All hunting must be carried out with a registered and identified falcon.

In summary:the hunting licence is granted sparingly, for falconry only, in limited areas, and never for endangered species.

3. Very severe penalties may be imposed

Let’s talk about the Very severe penalties for illegal hunting in the United Arab Emirates (falconry / hunting without a licence, prohibited species, etc.). The relevant laws are:

• Federal Decree No. 9 of 1983 on the hunting of animals and birds.
  
• Federal Act No. 24 of 1999 on the protection and development of the environment, as amended by other laws.
  
• Abu Dhabi-specific law for hunting (Law No. 22 of 2005) and its implementing regulations.

Here are the penalties for serious offences relating to illegal hunting :

• Hunting of migratory birds (protected species) without a licence : Up to 6 months’ imprisonment + a 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
  
• Recidivism : Penalties doubled under the law (higher fines, longer prison sentences)
  
• Abuse or illegal hunting of endangered species : A heavy fine, and possible imprisonment for one year or more, depending on the circumstances

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

Well, you’ve reached the end of this guide.

You have discovered how to obtain a liquor licence, a drone licence, a fishing licence or a hunting licence, as well as the relevant conditions, costs and any penalties. You now know that these steps are essential for enjoy life in Dubai without any legal hassles.

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

If you are thinking of moving to or investing in Dubai, it is just as important to’to have the right support for your property transactions.

Our agency Dubai Property helps you find the ideal property, to protect your investments and to navigate local procedures with confidence.

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