Dubai ends 30 per cent tax on alcohol sales, fee for liquor licenses
Rome, Jan 1: Dubai ended its 30 per cent tax on alcohol sales in the sheikhdom on Sunday and made its required liquor licenses free to obtain, ending a long-standing source of revenue for its ruling family to apparently further boost its tourism to the emirate.
The sudden New Year's Day announcement, made by Dubai's two state-linked alcohol retailers, came apparently from a government decree from its ruling Al Maktoum family. However, government officials did not immediately acknowledge the decision and did not respond to questions from The Associated Press.
But it follows years of loosening regulations over liquor in the sheikhdom, which now sells alcohol during daylight hours in Ramadan and began providing home delivery during the lockdowns at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Alcohol sales have long served as a major barometer of the economy of Dubai, a top travel destination in the UAE, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates. During the recent World Cup in nearby Qatar, Dubai's many bars drew commuting soccer fans.
Alcohol distributor Maritime and Mercantile International, which is part of the wider Emirates Group, made the announcement in a statement.
"Since we began our operations in Dubai over 100 years ago, the emirate's approach has remained dynamic, sensitive and inclusive for all," said Tyrone Reid of MMI. "These recently updated regulations are instrumental to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE."
MMI did not respond to a question over whether the decision was permanent. However, an ad put up by MMI urged customers to buy from its stores, saying "you no longer need to drive out to the other emirates."
Dubai residents long have driven into Umm al-Quwain and other emirates for bulk, tax-free alcohol purchases.
African & Eastern, the second alcohol retailer believed to be at least partially held by the state or affiliated firms, also announced the end of the municipality tax and license fees.
Under Dubai law, non-Muslims must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Drinkers are supposed to carry plastic cards issued by the Dubai police that permit them to purchase, transport and consume beer, wine and liquor. Otherwise, they can face fines and arrest even though the sheikhdom's vast network of bars, nightclubs and lounges almost never ask to see the permit.
Still, relatively liberal Dubai is an outlier among others in the region. Sharjah, an emirate that borders Dubai to the north, outlaws alcohol, as do the nearby nations of Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the oil-rich UAE, ended its alcohol license system in September 2020.
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Complaint seeks withdrawal of Vellappally Natesan’s Padma Bhushan, matter sent to Home Ministry
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has forwarded a complaint seeking the withdrawal of the Padma Bhushan conferred on SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, with instructions to examine the allegations and take appropriate action.
The complaint was submitted by RS Sashikumar, chairman of the Save University Campaign Committee. It alleges that Vellappally Natesan had publicly insulted the Padma awards in the past and is also an accused in several criminal cases, making him unfit for a civilian honour of such stature.
The petition states that conferring a Padma award on a person who had earlier mocked the honour undermines its dignity and shows disregard to previous recipients. It further argues that granting one of the country’s highest civilian honours to someone facing multiple criminal cases is inappropriate.
Vellappally Natesan had earlier made disparaging remarks about the Padma awards during a media interaction, questioning their value and suggesting they could be obtained with money. The SNDP Protection Committee had also opposed the decision to confer the Padma Bhushan on him.
This year, the Padma Bhushan was announced for Vellappally Natesan and actor Mammootty. Former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan, former Supreme Court judge Justice KT Thomas, and RSS pracharak and former Janmabhoomi editor P Narayanan were awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
