Emirates from the United Arab Emirates has confirmed that it is not prohibited to drink alcohol on board flights to Dubai.
Representatives of Emirates confirmed on Twitter that drinking alcohol on carrier’s flights was “not prohibited” in response to a client’s tweet that said it’s legal to drink while flying in the UAE.
"Alcohol is not prohibited on our flights. In addition, alcohol is served in the lounges at Dubai Airport and is available for purchase at Duty Free," the statement said.
British media have repeatedly questioned the legality of drinking alcohol on board flights to Dubai over the past weeks. Interest in this issue is related to the detention of Ellie Holman on July 13. Emirates passenger was detained at the airport upon arrival. According to Holman, her detention was due to the fact that she drank a glass of wine on board.
Later it turned out that the woman tried to enter the territory of the UAE with a passport, which expired on June 10.
“Emirates is constantly investing in food and beverage, which is an integral part of the flight experience,” the airline’s extended statement said, “However, like any other airline or any hospitality organization, unruly or hooligan behavior due to intoxication "is not allowed and may entail legal consequences. The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew on board will always be our priority."
The legal age for drinking is 18 years in Abu Dhabi, but the Ministry of Tourism prohibits hotels from selling alcohol to people under the age of 21. In Dubai and in all other emirates except Sharjah, the legal age for drinking is 21 years. Alcohol consumption in the emirate of Sharjah is officially illegal.
