The United Arab Emirates government has confirmed that alcohol is prohibited on all work premises, with the ban applying equally to employers and workers under the country's workplace health and safety regulations. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issued the rule, which also covers intoxicated persons entering any work establishment.
Scope of the Alcohol Ban at UAE Workplaces
According to guidance from MoHRE, no employer is permitted to bring alcoholic drinks onto work premises or allow any other person to do so for consumption. The prohibition covers all types of alcoholic beverages without exception, making it a binding requirement rather than an advisory measure.
Beyond restricting the presence of alcohol on site, the regulation requires employers to prevent any person who appears to be intoxicated from entering or remaining on the work premises. This places the responsibility for enforcing the ban directly on employers, not just individual workers.
Employer Obligations and Regulatory Enforcement
The MoHRE guidance makes clear that these are not advisory measures but binding workplace rules that govern how establishments must be managed in the UAE. Employers who fail to comply with the alcohol prohibition risk violating UAE labour law, which carries consequences under the country's regulatory enforcement system.
The UAE hosts a large and diverse workforce made up of both local citizens and expatriates from across the world. Workplace conduct regulations, including those on alcohol, form part of a broader framework governing health and safety standards at job sites across the country.
Broader Health and Safety Framework
The government's official workplace health and safety guidance outlines these requirements alongside other rules covering working conditions, employee welfare, and employer obligations. This framework is designed to ensure consistent standards across all establishments operating in the UAE.
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that the UAE had shared a harsh penalty for companies that hire foreigners without work permits. Additionally, the UAE previously listed 19 occupations that fall under domestic work, published under a section addressing the question: "Who are domestic workers?" The UAE's definition of domestic employment is notably broad, covering roles that many people would not immediately associate with household service.
