Alcohol on a desert safari, and where the law lets you drink

Where a drink is allowed on a safari

At a licensed camp, and only if you are 21 or over.

What makes a camp a licensed venue

UK travel advice names hotel bars and pubs among the licensed venues in Dubai. In the desert, the question to ask is whether the camp on your booking holds a liquor license.

Where the law draws the line outside a licensed venue

Drinking or being under the influence of alcohol in a public place is illegal anywhere in the UAE. The same advice says British nationals have been arrested and charged under that law, often after a related offence, such as disorderly or offensive behaviour, brought them to police attention.

Section 6 of BookMySafari's terms sets the safari rule: "Alcohol is permitted only at licensed camps. Public-area drinking is illegal in the UAE."

The licenses a safari operator must hold, and the penalties for running a safari without them, sit in the guide to desert safari permits and regulations.

Away from the safari, private drinking in Dubai has a rule of its own. UK travel advice says "a liquor licence is required for consuming alcohol in private places like homes or private parties". Guests staying in Sharjah face a stricter rule, set out with the emirate rules further down.

Everything else to pack is in the guide to what to bring on a safari.

What the duty-free allowance does and does not cover

Dubai's customs guidelines for travellers list alcohol among the permitted items, which are exempt from customs duties and allowed entry: "Up to 4 litres or 2 cartons of beer (24 cans each, max 355 ml per can)."

That allowance is about bringing alcohol into Dubai. Where you may drink it is a separate question, answered by the licensed-venue and public-place rules above.

Drinking and driving after the camp

Do not drive after a drink at a desert camp. It is illegal to drink and drive in the UAE, no matter how small the amount, and your insurance is likely to be invalidated in the event of an accident.

The standard safari ticket includes the return transfer. On the evening safari, an air-conditioned 4x4 collects you from your hotel lobby and brings you back, so the drive home is not yours to make.

If you want a quad bike ride or sandboarding as well as a drink, ask the booking desk how the camp handles that before you book. The other risks of the evening, such as the dune drive and the heat, are covered in the guide on whether desert safaris are safe.

Ramadan's dates vary by year and country, according to UK travel advice. Ramadan 2027 is expected from about 8 February 2027, and Eid al-Fitr about 9 to 10 March 2027, subject to moon sighting. The Ramadan evening brings dates and Vimto at the camp.

The guide to what changes during Ramadan covers the iftar timing and the dress code. For the Eid holidays, see what changes during Eid.

What the package pages list to drink

Mint lemonade runs from the buffet rail with the soft drinks, and bottled water sits beside them, according to the guide to what to expect at the camp.

The pages for the evening safari, the morning safari and the overnight safari each list Arabic coffee and unlimited soft drinks, and so does the page for the gentle route without dune bashing. The red dunes safari page lists unlimited soft drinks and water through the camp session, and the VIP safari page lists Arabic coffee, dates and soft drinks.

For anyone under 21, these are the drinks on the safari.