News

Dubai Reintroduces 30% Alcohol Sales Tax for 2025

Dubai Reintroduces 30 Alcohol Sales Tax 3

Dubai’s dynamic approach to taxation is shifting again as authorities have confirmed Dubai reintroduces 30% alcohol sales tax for 2025. This comes after a two-year suspension that allowed businesses and consumers some respite in pricing across the emirate.

The Background: A Two-Year Suspension

The 30% alcohol sales tax was initially scrapped at the start of 2023, marking the beginning of a trial period intended to last one year. The move aimed to boost tourism and make Dubai’s nightlife and hospitality sectors more competitive globally. While no official announcement extended the suspension into 2024, the policy quietly remained in place for another year, benefitting both businesses and consumers.

During this time, restaurants, bars, and hotels purchasing alcohol from distributors MMI and African+Eastern enjoyed significant cost reductions, which trickled down to consumers, particularly in retail purchases. However, the pricing structures in bars and restaurants varied due to the inclusion of other operational costs such as rent, labour, and logistics.

What the Tax Return Means

From 2025, the alcohol sales tax will once again be levied on all alcoholic beverages sold to businesses. Dubai Municipality has instructed suppliers and establishments to prepare their systems for compliance with the reinstated tax.

Dubai Reintroduces 30% Alcohol Sales Tax for 2025

A statement shared by African+Eastern, one of the key alcohol distributors in the UAE, read:

“Please note, Dubai Government have informed us the 30% Municipality tax on alcoholic beverage purchases will be reinstated effective January 2025. This will be effective on all orders invoiced from Wednesday January 1 2025. Dubai Municipality requests all necessary systems are in place to ensure full compliance with this fee.”

The Implications for Businesses

For restaurants, bars, and hotels, the reinstatement of this tax means higher purchasing costs for alcoholic beverages. While the hospitality sector may not pass the full 30% increase onto consumers, it is likely to reflect in revised pricing menus across establishments. Businesses will also need to carefully adjust operational budgets to account for the additional expenses.

Impact on Consumers

Retail consumers may notice a sharper rise in alcohol prices at distributors like MMI and African+Eastern, as the 30% tax is directly applied. However, within restaurants and bars, the price adjustments may not translate to a direct 30% increase, as establishments will consider broader operational factors when setting final prices.

Why Now?

The decision to reinstate the tax likely aligns with Dubai’s broader fiscal strategies, including revenue diversification and sustainability goals for the emirate. After the pandemic, the suspension of the alcohol tax was a strategic move to attract tourists and bolster the hospitality industry. Now, with Dubai’s tourism sector experiencing strong recovery and growth, authorities may feel the market is resilient enough to absorb the tax reintroduction without significant impact on its competitiveness.

$37.8 Million Record-Breaking Property Sale

Preparing for the Shift

With the clock ticking toward January 2025, businesses and consumers are gearing up for the transition. Hospitality venues will need to reevaluate their pricing strategies to balance competitiveness with profitability, while consumers might want to enjoy the lower prices through 2024 before the tax takes effect.

For more updates on Dubai’s policies, nightlife, and lifestyle, visit What’s Hot in UAE.

Up Next

Planetary Alignment on January 25th?

Don't Miss

Introducing the What’s Hot in UAE Podcast! 🎉

Concerts

Sting 3.0 Tour: The Iconic Music Legend is Coming to Abu Dhabi!

Music lovers in Abu Dhabi, get ready! The legendary 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting is set to bring his electrifying STING 3.0 World Tour to Etihad Arena for one exclusive night on 3 May 2025.

Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner AKA Sting is coming to Abu Dhabi with the The Sting 3.0 Tour — Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner AKA Sting

This once-in-a-lifetime event promises an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, as the music icon delivers a dynamic blend of his greatest hits, timeless classics, and rare gems. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new listener, this is an extraordinary opportunity to witness one of the most influential musicians of all time live on stage.

What to Expect from the STING 3.0 Tour

Known for his genre-defying artistry, Sting’s STING 3.0 Tour is an innovative reinvention of his legendary music career. The show will feature:

🎶 Iconic Hits – Expect timeless anthems from both The Police era and Sting’s incredible solo catalogue.
🎸 Fresh Arrangements – A unique three-piece band setup will bring a stripped-back, high-energy feel to his biggest tracks.
🔥 Unmatched Live Energy – Sting’s charismatic stage presence and legendary musicianship will ensure a performance like no other.

The Man, The Legend: Sting’s Legacy

With a career spanning decades, Sting is a true music icon, known for crafting some of the most influential songs in rock and pop history. His discography includes:

Every Breath You Take

Roxanne
Englishman in New York

Fields of Gold
Shape of My Heart
Desert Rose

…and countless others. With 17 Grammy Awards, 100 million+ records sold worldwide, and an indelible mark on global music, Sting continues to captivate audiences across generations.

Sting in the studio recording the new album

An Exclusive Night at Etihad Arena

📍 Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
📅 Date: 3 May 2025
🎟 Tickets: Stay tuned for official ticket sale announcements

Sting is still going strong with the new Sting 3.0 Tour — Sting is still going strong

The STING 3.0 Tour is set to be one of Abu Dhabi’s most anticipated concerts of 2025, and tickets are expected to sell out fast. Fans should act quickly once they’re available to secure a chance to experience a legendary night of music.

Final Thoughts on the Sting 3.0 Tour

From rock anthems to heartfelt ballads, STING 3.0 is not just a concert—it’s a journey through one of music’s most remarkable careers. Don’t miss out on this rare chance to witness a legend in action at Etihad Arena this May.

📌 Read more in our online magazine: 😎
👉 https://whatshotinuae.com

News

UAE Lifts Drone Ban: Here’s How to Get Your Licence and Fly Legally

Drone enthusiasts in the UAE have a reason to celebrate! As of 7 January 2025, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) lifted the conditional ban on individual drone use. However, flying a drone in the UAE comes with specific regulations and requirements to ensure safety and compliance. Here’s everything you need to know about obtaining your drone licence and flying legally. The UAE Lifts Drone Ban to great applause.

Step 1: Register on the UAE Drone Platform

To begin your drone journey, you must create an account on the UAE Drone app (available for Apple and Android) or visit drones.gov.ae. This Unified National Drone Platform simplifies the registration process for drone operators.

If you had a drone registration certificate before 6 January 2025, it is now invalid. You’ll need to reapply on the updated platform.

Drone. UAE. 2025 13 — The UAE now has official onboarding for training

Step 2: Obtain a Drone Training Certificate

A GCAA-accredited drone training certificate is mandatory to register as a drone operator. Training is offered at these accredited centres:

Versa Aerospace
- Location: Abu Dhabi, Al Asayl Racing & Equestrian Club
- Website: www.versa-aerospace.ae
- Contact: +971 2 246 4317 | registration@versa-aerospace.com
Melaaha Drones
- Location: Fujairah, Alhail Industrial Area
- Contact: 050 551 3035 | info@melaaha.ae
Emirates Falcon Aeroclub
- Location: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain
- Contact: 03 7854 444 | info@emiratesfalcons.ae

Step 3: Register as a Drone Operator

After completing your training, register as an operator via the UAE Drone app or website. To qualify, you must:

Be at least 16 years old.
Hold a valid drone training certificate.

Ensure your drone weighs no more than 5 kg.
Comply with all GCAA regulations.

Drone. UAE. 2025 12 — UAE Lifts Drone Ban

Costs Involved

Registration fees include:

Operator registration fee: AED 100 (one-time).

Drone registration fee: AED 200 for recreational use (renewable every two years).

Step 4: Submit Flight Requests

Before flying, you must submit a flight request via the app for GCAA approval. Provide details such as:

Drone model and weight.
Flight location, date, and time.

Compliance with designated flight zones.

Drone Flying Restrictions

To ensure safety, the following restrictions apply:

No flying near public or private property.
Maintain a distance of at least 5 km from airports and controlled zones.

Do not fly above 400 feet (120 metres) or outside the line of sight.
Fly only during daylight hours.

Drone. UAE. 2025 5 — Drone shots can be beautiful, when carried out by trained professionals.

Drone Use in Dubai

While the UAE has lifted the federal drone ban, Dubai recreational drone use is still under review, according to the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

Stay Safe and Compliant

By following these steps, you can enjoy flying your drone legally in the UAE. Stay updated with GCAA regulations and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

News

Planetary Alignment on January 25th?

The rumour mill has been buzzing with talk of a spectacular planetary alignment set to occur on January 25, 2025. Social media is ablaze with claims that all the planets in our solar system will line up in a straight row, creating a magical and breathtaking celestial event. But before you grab your telescope and set up camp outdoors, it’s worth noting one important fact: this alignment isn’t happening. While the claim might sound exciting, it’s not based on astronomical reality. However, the night sky this month still promises some fascinating sights. The Planetary Alignment on January 25th certainly has people talking.

Is a Planetary Alignment Happening on January 25?

Not exactly. The planets in our solar system orbit the sun along the ecliptic, a flat plane that also encompasses Earth’s orbit. This imaginary line across the sky is what we perceive as the path of the sun, moon, and planets. From our vantage point, the planets appear along this ecliptic line, creating the illusion of alignment. But they don’t line up in a ruler-straight fashion. So, while January 25 won’t feature the kind of alignment depicted in sci-fi movies, the night sky this month still has its fair share of celestial treats.

Planetary Alignment on January 25th

What Will Be Visible in January?

Throughout January 2025, six planets will be visible, with four of them easily seen with the naked eye. Venus and Saturn will shine brightly in the southwest during the early evening, while Jupiter will command attention high overhead. Mars will be visible in the east, appearing brighter than usual as it reaches “opposition”—a point where it’s on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. This positioning makes Mars larger and more luminous in the night sky.

For those equipped with a telescope and an app, Uranus and Neptune will also make an appearance. Although they won’t be in a straight line, having so many planets visible at once is still a remarkable opportunity for stargazers.

Celestial Highlights to Watch For

Beyond the planets themselves, January offers additional highlights. On January 13, the moon will appear to pass directly in front of Mars, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Later in the month, Venus and Saturn will engage in a “conjunction,” drawing closer to each other in the southwest sky. On January 17 and 18, the two planets will appear within a few finger widths of each other when viewed at arm’s length. While they remain separated by vast distances in space, their close proximity in the sky will create a captivating display.

The Planetary Alignment on January 25th

Why the Myth of Planetary Alignments Persists

The notion of planetary alignments often captures the imagination, sparking ideas of mystical energies or significant events. In reality, these alignments are a regular part of planetary motion and rarely have the dramatic visual impact people envision. However, such stories can serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of our universe and encourage us to look up and explore the wonders of the night sky.