Drinking in Dubai

Ah yes, drinking laws in Dubai - about as clear as a pint of Guinness. In short, it's all about licenses. If you're a non-Muslim, get an alcohol license and only drink in places where they have an alcohol license (pretty much limited to 4 and 5-star hotel bars). Getting a license is pretty straight-forward and gives you the right to purchase, transport, and keep alcohol. It also gives you the right to consume alcohol on your private premises. Doing any of the aforementioned without a license is enought to get you thrown behind bars.

All said, even if you do all of the above, you can still be arrested for public drunkenness. So, keep it clean and whatever you do - DON'T drink and drive. Dubai has a zero tolerance policy toward this matter, and quite frankly, anyone silly enough to get behind the wheel after one too many deserves what they get.