Visiting Dubai and want to enjoy a cocktail without breaking the law? First, understand what a "standard drink" means here. In the UAE a standard drink contains about 10 ml of pure alcohol, which is roughly the amount in a 330 ml beer (5% ABV), a 100 ml glass of wine (12% ABV), or a 30 ml shot of spirits (40% ABV). Knowing this helps you control your intake and stay within the legal limits.
Dubai allows non‑Muslim adults to drink in licensed venues, but public intoxication is a punishable offense. You won’t be fined for having a drink in a hotel bar, but you could face penalties if you’re visibly drunk in a public place. The rule of thumb is to keep your blood alcohol level below 0.05 % – that’s roughly two standard drinks for most people. If you’re unsure, stick to one drink per hour and drink water in between.
Bars in Dubai often serve larger pours than the standard measurement, so it’s easy to underestimate. A "large" beer can be 500 ml, which is about 1.5 standard drinks. A cocktail may contain two or three shots, meaning three to four standard drinks in one glass. When you order, ask the bartender how many shots are in the drink, or request a smaller pour if you want to stay safe.
For hotel rooms, many offer mini‑bars stocked with pre‑packaged drinks. Check the label – most mini‑bars list the volume and ABV, letting you calculate the standard drinks yourself. If the label isn’t clear, assume a 250 ml bottle of wine is about two standard drinks.
Travelers often wonder about mixing alcohol with medication or driving. The safe answer: avoid drinking if you’ll drive or take medication that interacts with alcohol. Even a single standard drink can affect reaction time, especially in the hot climate where dehydration speeds up intoxication.
Bottom line: know the standard drink size, watch the pour, and stay below two drinks per hour. That way you can enjoy Dubai’s nightlife, rooftop lounges, and beach clubs without any legal trouble. Cheers to a fun and safe stay!
Clear answer to the 6 drink rule, how it works, when it’s risky, and how to apply it safely. Includes standard drink math, UK/US units, examples, and a quick checklist.