Dubai is the glamorous playground for the rich and famous. No other city in the world is host to the world’s most colossal tower and a seven-star hotel. It’s a flashy city with a lot of glitz and glamour and the luxurious experiences you can get out of it proves that.
In a city where money is no object, one of its most opulent advantages is its ability to source the finest and most luxurious bottles. From premium spirits to fine wine, Dubai sources its wines and spirits from all over the world. This makes it home to a comprehensive collection of finely-selected liquor.
But whether you’re looking for a bottle to stock up the bar at home or to enjoy a night out, it’s important to remember that Dubai has certain local laws when it comes to alcoholic delights. For non-Muslim residents, it is imperative to obtain an alcohol licence in Dubai. This liquor license is your pass to purchase, transport and consume alcohol from the comfort of your home.
With that in mind, here is an insider’s guide to finding the most sophisticated spirits and fine wines in this city of gold.
1. Bars and Cocktails
Up until a few years ago, Dubai was also home to the world’s most expensive cocktail. Only available at Skyview Lounge at the Burj Al Arab, the befittingly named Diamonds are Forever cocktail, is made with L’Heraud Vintage Grande Champagne Cognac, special bitters by Jerry Thomas, and Luxor 24K Gold Flake Champagne.
The unforgettable taste of flowing gold and century-aged exquisite cognac is one that only a privileged few get to experience. The whole experience is served in a Swarovski crystal glass finished with diamonds.
Skyview Bar also has a luxury curation of bottles. This includes a bottle of 1982 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1er Grand Cru Classe and L’Heraud Vintage 1865 Petite Champagne Cognac.
Others bars in Dubai’s playground where you can sip sheer decadence is Mahiki at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Tortuga at the Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah. Both offer exclusive cocktails served with fine wine and premium spirits such as Moët Rosé and the Limited Edition Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario Tequila.
2. Duty-Free
Visitors flying into the city have a lot to celebrate when they pass through Dubai International Airport. The 3rd busiest airport in the world, Dubai International Airport also sets the benchmark in retailing luxury wines and spirits. At Dubai International Airport, guests can acquire some of the world’s most exclusive wines and spirits.
In fact, in 2017, a premium retailer in the airport’s Duty-Free sold the “Iconic Macallan,” 29 bottles of The Macallan 18-Year-Old Vertical. This comes on the back of world record-breaking sale of a Macallan Fine and Rare collection.
For those with a penchant for personalized gifts, Dubai’s airport also offers bespoke services such as personalized bottle engravings. There’s also an in-store tasting area and a personal concierge service which ensures your purchases are available for collection upon your arrival.
Such access to rare parcels as listed above makes this a destination for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
3. Alcohol Retailers
While this may pertain more to non-Muslim residents rather than tourists, there are two companies that operate liquor stores in Dubai. This is due to the fact that in Dubai, you are required to have a liquor licence to purchase, store, and transport alcohol.
There are two companies that operate liquor stores in Dubai. Due to the fact that in Dubai, you are required to have a liquor licence to purchase, store, and transport alcohol. Residents and tourists (non-Muslims) alike can safely and legally purchase from any retail store.
Retail stores boast global premium brands that will cater to the increasingly sophisticated consumer. Each collection is carefully sourced and curated from some of the world’s top producers. The extensive range includes bottles such as Louis Roederer Cristal, Johnnie Walker King George V & Louis XIII Cognac. There is a large retail network of conveniently located liquor stores in Dubai that carry these topnotch spirits.
Dubai is a city with extravagant opulence and glittering excess. This makes it increasingly attractive for those with deep pockets looking for unique luxurious experiences. For those desiring world-renowned wines and extraordinary spirits, Dubai is the perfect playground where an extra sip of something special can be found.