Getting Alcohol in Dubai unlicensed – Barracuda in Umm Al Quwain
So you heard all the “horror” stories about Dubai and the UAE in general, and you are worried that you might go dry when it comes to Alcohol consumption. You can safely put aside your fear, there are several ways to get Alcohol here and most of them don’t even cross the line of legality. Read on for more details….
Firstly and most obviously you can get alcohol at the Airport, when flying in to Dubai. You are entitled to 2 boxes of beer (24 cans each), or 2 liter of hard liquor, or 3 bottles of wine. This you can only do though when you are flying in, you cannot just go to the Airport and get booze. The price is quite reasonable, 103 AED for a box of 0,33 Heineken’s, which is about $28 USD.
Secondly, you can apply for a Liquor License and then get alcohol in Dubai Liquor shops, but they tend to apply a good 30% Tax on purchases, plus you have a quota on the amount you can buy.
Thirdly, you can drive to an Emirate where Alcohol is sold freely without licensing issues, but there is an issue of getting the booze back to Dubai. In the given Emirate (Ajman and Umm al Quwain for example) alcohol is sold freely, but getting it to your own emirate is your responsibility. In Dubai, you should be just fine if you have the Liquor license, so the main problem is getting through Sharjah which is a 0% tolerance toward alcohol Emirate.
This past weekend we opted for option 3 and went to Umm Al Quwain with a couple of my friends. The purchase was a success, we all got what we wanted and arrived back home safely to Dubai with a trunk full of booze. Read on for details……
And this is what the store looks like:
October 2nd, 2008 at 08:03
hai…itz gr8 out of u al..as u tuk snaps inside the store..
last wednesday i n my friends had a trip to barracuda..it was a gr8 experience for ur and the first…
v al wer too surprised to see the setting in the shop…
thanxz for the snaps…
n i would like to upload some picxz wich v tuk…
if no probs for u…
stay tune if possible…
bye
October 2nd, 2008 at 20:10
Cheers mate, use all the pics you’d like, and I am glad you enjoyed the store.
Ben
October 21st, 2008 at 16:39
hi thanks for the info, do you know if they do delivery’s? and where exactly is it?
October 22nd, 2008 at 04:26
Hi. I don’t think they do deliveries, as its Illegal to bring the booze through Sharjah.
Cheers
Ben
December 1st, 2008 at 09:26
Directions where spot on and saw absolutely no police activity anywhere on the road but then I did go at 9am on Monday morning. Though I don’t I’ve ever driven quite so carefully on my return trip!
T
December 1st, 2008 at 10:41
That’s the thrill
Glad you got there and back safe as well.
Enjoy the booze,
Cheers
Ben
December 15th, 2008 at 07:39
Thank you for your info, very usefull so far! what currency do they accept? standard UAE dihrams? Cash or do they accept card? Thanks again, Wish me luck!
December 15th, 2008 at 09:35
Dear Bealo82,
They take Dirhams, CC cards, Debit cards and all the usual means of payment. Good luck with your journey,
Ben
December 17th, 2008 at 13:44
Ben,
Any idea about opening times for this place? Don’t want to go all the way and find it closed
December 24th, 2008 at 05:39
Sorry Diggers, have no clue on that bit of information. All I can tell you I was there 1PM ish if I recall it. Just go during normal “business”-like hours and you should be fine. If you do find out at a later stage, please post back,
Cheers,
Ben
April 5th, 2009 at 08:10
One question, is there a way to avoid Sharjah on the way back to Dubai. And if, how long does it take?
September 17th, 2009 at 13:15
u can always take the outer bypass on your way back yet u ll pass through sharjah but again much safer since it s totally remote road
BTW any idea regarding their ramadan timing
September 17th, 2009 at 13:31
Thanks for the info MM.
They are completely closed during ramadan, I was there just a few days before it to stock up. They will reopen after Eid, so in about a week’s time.
Cheers
Ben
September 20th, 2009 at 09:26
I live and work at a university in Sharjah. It is legal to transport alcohol in Sharjah and consume it in your own home. There is even a membership sports club in town with a full bar, grandfathered from the days before the UAE was a country…thanks to the Brits for that.
If you get stopped in my fine Emirate, however, the police could ask you for your liquor license. In theory the Cuda and the Hole-in-the-Wall are both supposed to require a license to purchase alcohol just like in Dubai. Of course, in the 8 years I have lived here, I have never heard of someone being asked for a Northern Emirate liquor license. Then again, the only time I have ever seen a cop pull someone over was when a cement truck dumped some cement on the hood of a BMW sitting behind him at a red light.
Drink up.
September 20th, 2009 at 13:11
Hi,
when does Barracuda reopen after ramadan? Is it open today the 20/9/09?
September 20th, 2009 at 15:34
Hi there,
Thanks Eastoftexas for the input, ill keep it in mind. I have also trasported liquor from Ajman or Umm Al Quawain to Dubai and never had any problem, however, I’d still say its illegal or at least frowned upon, as I dont want to advise anyone that its perfectly fine and no need for the Dubai Liquor license. I do have the Liquor license of course and I also felt that if I do get caught once, I’d be safer with the license.
Anyhow, good to know the input from a Sharjah resident.
Scott, I’d think they’ll reopen after Eid, on the 22nd, but its best to give them a call. Google Baracuda resort and call the main number.
Cheers
Ben
September 25th, 2009 at 16:59
we never been thier pls can send me road map so we can visit your store
thank
chefromeo
September 25th, 2009 at 17:02
your store is very popular but we never been plss can you sent a road map so we can visit your store thanks
romeo
September 30th, 2009 at 08:04
You’ll find everything here.
Cheers
Ben
http://www.barracuda.ae/
October 25th, 2009 at 15:57
Hi Ben,
Just wondering, what is the actual name of the store and do you have a telephone number for them. I’d like to know if they have a particular brand that I like.
Nick
October 26th, 2009 at 09:10
Hi there. See my above post with a link to the resort, last time I called they had information about the store and they can transfer you there. Otherwise I dont have a direct number to them. People refer to it as “Barracuda” as that’s where its located at. Hope you’ll find what you are looking for. Cheers, Ben
October 28th, 2009 at 15:45
Who do you know who can import into Dubai, I am familiar with A+E and MMI but is there anybody else who can import from UK or France. I already sell products to top hotels but pressure from major cognac houses hugely reduces potential. R.
November 17th, 2009 at 17:22
Hey,
Anyone has a gps location of the store?
Can you email it to me please. “lefeti@yahoo.com
Joel
November 18th, 2009 at 19:38
hi,
i was coming thru cuda and then on the way jus before national paints a lexus suv banged into me, i had a doubt he did ot on purpose as supposedly i was right 3 local guys got down and told me they will call the cops whn i said ill get it fixed come to dubai they took me for a ride and took 2000dhs from me
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:04
Mackie
The same thing happened to me on 26th October.
Two guys in a Lexus “tapped” the back of my car on the Emirates road shortly after leaving Baracuda and I got stitched up as well.
There is truth in the urban myths here. Now I know.
I have a feeling someone at the Baracuda calls someone so they know which vehicles to target.
November 26th, 2009 at 10:49
Is Barracuda open today, Thursday 26th please?
December 18th, 2009 at 19:58
Hello, can somebody tell me is it possible to find Absinth La Fee Hypno? how mutch it will be fot 1 bottle???
January 31st, 2010 at 13:05
Just got the opening times 8am -11 pm
February 1st, 2010 at 10:01
Thanks for the update Alistar, much appreciated.
Ben
April 15th, 2010 at 21:12
Is it open on Fridays?
May 21st, 2010 at 01:32
I’m thinking of visiting but I am a little concerned. Is there anything other than the lexus that I have to watch out for???
Thanks guys
May 28th, 2010 at 09:28
Hi Guys !! I just call them and the liquor shop opens everyday including Fridays from 8 am to 11 pm, the shop only close during the entire Ramadam. Cheers
June 1st, 2010 at 22:27
HI All! Baracuda rocks! The variety of stuff available there is awesome. I picked up some white rum, tequila and red vine. The price is extremely reasonable.
Purchasing stuff from Baracuda is so easy – choose your stuff, pay by cc/cash & drive off. No license, no questions to unwanted cutomer service. Highly recommend Baracuda to all.
I was there between 8PM and 9PM (Tuesday). There was barely a few people with families purchasing stuff. Jai Baracuda!
July 6th, 2010 at 12:04
Andy et al.
They are still out there.
Check the below link.
http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=109183&Page=0
August 5th, 2010 at 20:13
hi i know barracuda will have to close for ramadan which will probably be the 11th august they have a coffe shop upstairs and more brands than you can imagine if you did have any problems just make as if to call the police and these guys (who are not locals) will vanish i have not heard any tales for ages and it is usually busy especially fridays so go visit them and save a fortune
August 19th, 2010 at 17:55
In my case they were very local!
August 27th, 2010 at 15:12
Have heard of the stories of the “accidents”. They seemed to stop when it was published in the lacal papers that it was legal to transport through Sharjah as long as you had a valid liquor license. However it is always a good idea to take a couple of associates and if anything happens to take photos (or appear to) and as Peter says make to call the local constabulary. Have made numerous trips and never had anything untowards happen to me.
September 17th, 2010 at 12:57
Hi….can you give me directions from the Emirates Road please?
Many thanks…
Fran
September 18th, 2010 at 14:37
Hi,
Drive on Emirates road from Dubai towards Sharjah, Ajman and RAK. At exit 103 you get off and follow the signs to Barracuda Beach Resort. Happy shopping
Ben
October 15th, 2010 at 09:24
I have shopped at booze emporia all around the world, so thanks to you Ben I addd the Barracuda to my list. What a find! I heard there was a 24-hour kiosk, but wasn’t sure where that was. I have never seen so many happy expats in all my years in the Gulf! Thanks for the public service. The only problem is the temptation to open a cold one for the ride back to Abu Dhabi!
October 15th, 2010 at 09:35
Hello John,
Glad I could be of help.
Last time we were there a couple of weeks back, we climbed into the old airplane and couldn’t resist but to open a cold one. Risky business, a cop showed up and told us to leave the plane. He didn’t see the booze thanks god, will just have to keep the bottles in their boxes next time until we reach home.
Cheers!
Ben
October 25th, 2010 at 12:27
Now liquior is also available in AUH. Try GMP shop on Najda Street. The price are very reasonable. No license reqd!
October 27th, 2010 at 06:31
Thanks for this valuable piece of information, cheers!
Ben
January 6th, 2011 at 20:44
dude, in AUH booze is available everywhere w/o license since years….
February 15th, 2011 at 19:11
is it 24×7 ?
March 7th, 2011 at 20:53
hey guys do we get Amrut fusion at baraccuda stores?
May 10th, 2011 at 16:19
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May 10th, 2011 at 16:20
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May 11th, 2011 at 15:01
Keep a eye on speed signs close by the shop.
the police has small automatic speed recordings there.
yes they hit me driving 95 and speed was 80 local.
a new trick to make money.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:17
is the liquor store open on public holidays ?!
June 27th, 2011 at 03:28
Hi. Not sure, you can try by calling them at : +971 67681124
During Ramadan they are closed of course but open on the very first day the gov. announces the end of the holy month.
Cheers
Ben
June 28th, 2011 at 15:37
Excuse my ingmorance but what is AUH? (comment 42)
June 28th, 2011 at 16:33
Short for Abu Dhabi. It’s the airports 3 digit code
July 27th, 2011 at 19:59
If you’re driving on the Emirates Road, carry on past the Barracuda turn off and then take exit 119, which takes you to Al Hamra resort and mall and (more importantly) Al Hamra Cellar. It has a far wider selection of wine and all is at the same price as Barracuda (if not cheaper)! You can drop your wife and children at the mall while you go here…far more homely too.
July 31st, 2011 at 20:34
Just want to know if uts open trough out ramadan…?
August 5th, 2011 at 14:30
Hoi Koos, no it’s not. Sad. No booze during the holy month, your best bet are bars after 7:30PM. Cheers
August 17th, 2011 at 13:21
Just wanted to know if they stock Kopperberg Pear Cider? I’ve moved here 2 months ago and I’m gagging for a nice ice cold cider in the sun!!
August 30th, 2011 at 14:45
dont carry too many bottles from baracuda just incase you are stopped by the cops, you may say its for personal consumption, as long as you are not a moslem you wont be in trouble, 4 bottles of hard liquor should be fine.
August 30th, 2011 at 21:46
i just wanna ask u about ur work hour and day pls send me e-mail answer my question thanks
September 8th, 2011 at 19:22
Hi,
can anyone tell me the procedure to get a liquor license??
September 17th, 2011 at 21:37
hi guys . you can also buy liquor from umm al quwain beach hotel . its closer than barracuda and cheaper and they have everything
cheers
October 8th, 2011 at 18:34
Hey folks, have heard that for spends >aed1000 they will deliver to Dubai, is this correct? Is there. Web site for the liquor shop that anyone knows?
October 12th, 2011 at 21:31
Thats not correct JD. People that deliver in dubai sell it to you at a much higher price. Best thing is for you to go to uaq and buy it. My favourite is uaq beach hotel retail store. i think its the cheapest since its the oldest store for liquor sale
October 30th, 2011 at 21:29
It quite interesting to read thru all comments and tips here. anyway while some of use do all sorts of tricks to get alcohol i witnessed 2 “locals” at the duty free buying 2 large crates of heineken in public, wish it was simple as that
thanks for all the info ben-you’re a star!! will drink to that
October 31st, 2011 at 13:37
Anybody knows the price of Jack Daniels Silver Select (all sizes) in Barracuda.
Thanks..
December 6th, 2011 at 05:42
Hi there..
Does Baraccuda have weiss (wheat) beer ???
pls i need answer
Regards
December 6th, 2011 at 14:27
what happens if you ARE stopped by the police with alcohol heading back to Dubai?
December 7th, 2011 at 04:56
hi guys iam jubin. i did transportation of liquors from rak to dubai. everyday 3 times i bring liquor to dubai areas jumeirah, ummsequim, emirates hills, springs, greens, meadows, arabian ranches, jbr, marina etc. In rasalkhaimah there is one shop will open during ramdan. but only after 7 pm. shop name is centaurus.
December 7th, 2011 at 04:57
if police caught you . for sure they will punish you.
December 16th, 2011 at 14:17
if i have a liq liscence, and purchase alchol from Baracuuda, and on my way back, if the police catches me – Will i get punished, as i dont have a bill of an MMI or African Eastern………………….
or will they let me go, as long as i have a liquor lisc
December 21st, 2011 at 00:47
its damm good to go there n buy the buzz but the *****ing (Curse removed by Admin) problem is sharjah where is totally banned to bring the liqueur so
January 13th, 2012 at 18:47
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February 7th, 2012 at 14:46
Its an awesum info, all credit goes to ben !!