[Blackwell]

I am on the cusp of booking a visit to Dubai for the first time in September. I know the legal drinking age is 21. However, I will only be 20 at the time of my visit. I tried sifting through yahoo answers and that kind of crap via google but all I came across was a bunch of idiots getting their panties in a bunch about the mere thought of trying to drink 'underage'.

My question is for anybody that lives in Dubai or the UAE, anybody that has visited and particuarly anybody who knows how strict they are on identification? What kind of chance I will have of getting into bars etcetera without being 21?

However, I look old enough to be 21 and everybody I will be with will be at least 30+. The majority 35+.

Any insight much appreciated.

[Saweeep]

I don't know this for sure as I'm older than you but I've never been asked for ID there and tbh I think they're more concerned with how rich you look than how old you are for many places.

You'll be fine I suspect.

[zatara]

I got ID'd about 25% of the places I went when I was there at around 23 years old, but I did look young at the time. I always had a passport on me so was grand but I'd say if you look like you have enough money to spend you could just blag it. One of my mates (who, admittedly, was 25 and looked about 30) was also ID'd at the same time as me multiple times and just argued his way in indignantly. "This is ridiculous, how dare you ID me blah blah" etc.

[calwinston]

(07-29-2014 12:57 PM)Blackwell Wrote:  

I am on the cusp of booking a visit to Dubai for the first time in September. I know the legal drinking age is 21. However, I will only be 20 at the time of my visit. I tried sifting through yahoo answers and that kind of crap via google but all I came across was a bunch of idiots getting their panties in a bunch about the mere thought of trying to drink 'underage'.

My question is for anybody that lives in Dubai or the UAE, anybody that has visited and particuarly anybody who knows how strict they are on identification? What kind of chance I will have of getting into bars etcetera without being 21?

However, I look old enough to be 21 and everybody I will be with will be at least 30+. The majority 35+.

Any insight much appreciated.

Since you underage I wouldn't try it! Unless you know someone that will let you in. The middle eastern countries are known for selectively enforcing their laws. Plus they are very strict and sometimes make examples out of foreigners. If you get in, just don't get belligerently drunk and do something stupid. Then you are fucked!

[Sailor]

(07-29-2014 12:57 PM)Blackwell Wrote:  

I am on the cusp of booking a visit to Dubai for the first time in September. I know the legal drinking age is 21. However, I will only be 20 at the time of my visit. I tried sifting through yahoo answers and that kind of crap via google but all I came across was a bunch of idiots getting their panties in a bunch about the mere thought of trying to drink 'underage'.

Sir,if i remember well,to drink alcohol in Dubai (underage or not) you need a special drinking license issued only for you,so i don't think they would be relaxed about it.

[Sailor]

Ok,it turns out i did not remember well : liquor licenses are only needed to drink at home.