Dubai in the United Arab Emirates recently eliminated a 30 percent tax on alcohol sales and implemented free licenses in an apparent move to bolster its status as the region’s top tourist destination.
Alcohol is readily available in Dubai, but at very high prices. For example, a pint of beer can cost more than $15 at a restaurant, while bottles of wine fetch prices of more than $100, according to Bloomberg.
One of Dubai’s two alcohol distributors, Maritime and Mercantile International, announced the move on social media Sunday. «Great news. The 30 percent tax has been removed in Dubai,» it said in a video posted on Instagram.
Another distribution company is African & Eastern, which posted on its Facebook profile the day before that licenses could now be obtained at zero cost. «Since January 1, alcohol licenses are free. Prices have no fees,» it reads.
Despite the fact that the move has not been confirmed by the Emirati authorities, many Western media outlets have echoed the news on Monday and point to the measure coming into effect at the start of the year.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
