Dubai eases liquor rules for Ramzan for the first time

In a first, Mideast hub Dubai has eased liquor rules that prohibit day-time alcohol sales during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, Associated Press has reported. The move clearly shows how much the revenue brought into this emirate by both tourists and alcohol tax is valued by Dubai’s rulers.

Earlier, those who wanted to buy a beer or wine had to wait until sunset, when Muslims break their day long fast with water and evening meal called iftar. Bars too played quiet music and made sure to hide those partying behind closed doors during the holy month.

However, just before this Ramzan, hotel managers across the emirate have received a gentle notice from Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. 

The notice issued on May 31 has been obtained by The Associated Press. It informs hotels that alcohol sales would be governed by normal rules as opposed to limiting their hours during the dates encompassing Ramzan.

"Ensuring a superlative visitor experience consistently is at the center of our destination proposition and remains in line with Dubai's significance as a world-class tourism destination," Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing told AP.

"With nearly 1 million tourists expected to visit and enjoy all aspects of our city over Ramzan, we expect all operators and travelers to be respectful of the Holy Month and be mindful of cultural sensitivities," the department said in a statement.