22
FLANDERS INVESTMENT & TRADE MARKET SURVEY IN THE UAE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
FLANDERS INVESTMENT & TRADE MARKET SURVEY
IN THE UAEALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Marktstudie
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ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN THE
UAE
A Closer Look at the Beer Sector
11.05.2020
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pagina 2 van 21 Alcoholic beverages in the UAE
INDEX
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Custom tariffs .................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 General custom tariffs 3
2.2 Local municipality or sales tax 3
3. Legislation ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Violations and penalties............................................................................................................................................................. 4
5. Market Segmentation and distribution channels ...................................................................................................... 5
6. Major distributors .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
7. Understanding the UAE alcohol (beer) market ........................................................................................................... 8
8. The distributors in a nutshell ............................................................................................................................................... 10
9. Statistical information 2018 .....................................................................................................................................................17
10. Statistical information 2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 19
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Alcoholic beverages in the UAE pagina 3 van 21
1. INTRODUCTION
The United Arab Emirates applies the Islamic Sharia law and has the following applicable regulations in
the country:
• The law prohibits the production and consumption of alcoholic beverages for Muslims.
• The law is strictly applied to all Muslim residents in the country, regardless of national origin.
In 2019, the total population of UAE accounted to approximately 9.7 million, and according to statistical
reports, as of the end of 2019, Emiratis made up 10% of the population, while expatriates accounted for
the remaining 90%. To cater to the majority and many non-Muslim expatriates living in the UAE, the UAE
government has shown flexibility in the purchase and consumption of alcohol. However, this market,
including consumption is under strict regulations and alcohol can be sold and consumed only in
designated locations. Each Emirate state has its own governing laws around alcohol consumption. Sharjah
is the only dry state or emirate in the UAE, where alcohol is forbidden.
One of the recent changes to the law in 2019, allows tourists to purchase alcoholic beverages in Dubai
from any designated store on presenting their passport. However, this law does not apply to any residents
living in the UAE.
2. CUSTOM TARIFFS
2.1 GENERAL CUSTOM TARIFFS
The customs duties for alcoholic products on Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value vary depending on
the port of entry in each Emirate. For example, Dubai has a 50 per cent duty.
Also, each Emirate adds a sales tax on alcoholic beverages.
2.2 LOCAL MUNICIPALITY OR SALES TAX
We understand that Abu Dhabi and Dubai impose a 30 per cent municipality tax on alcohol sold in off-
licence outlets.
Based on our discussion with the companies, we have understood the calculation methodology used by
most Emirates in finalising the end-user price as seen in the following tabel:
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COST 1 Import price * x% excise duty (excise duties vary depending on the port of import; e.g. Dubai: 50%)
COST 2 COST 1 * distributors mark-up
COST 3 COST 2 * 30% Dubai or Abu Dhabi taxes (this step is not applicable for other Emirates – only Dubai and Abu Dhabi have these municipality taxes)
COST 4 COST 3 * retailers (on-trade) margin and profit
COST 5 COST 4 * any service charges * 5% VAT (End-user – final price for the consumer)
3. LEGISLATION
• Sale of alcohol is permitted only in designated areas such as dedicated retail stores and licensed
outlets - restaurants, bars and night clubs that are either part of a hotel or selected sports clubs.
All hotels or premises serving alcohol require to have a valid license issued by the local police
authorities.
• No sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed in general spaces such as grocery stores, supermarkets
or any other restaurants that are not authorised to sell or serve alcohol.
• Consumers (non-Muslims) who are residents in the UAE are required to hold a valid liquor license
to purchase or consume in the country.
o The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Police Department in each Emirate
issues an annual permit or license.
o The license can only be issued and is only applicable to non-Muslim residents of the UAE.
o The permitted age limited to hold this license is at least 21 years of age.
o The criteria for holding a licence is linked to the income earned. The licence is only issued
if the resident has a monthly income of at least Dhs. 3,000 (± 870 EUR).
4. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
• No consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed in public places unless issued as authorised in
the UAE.
• For all Muslim offenders, Islamic Shariah law is applicable.
• For expatriates, in case of an offence, they are required to pay fines, a driver’s license will be
confiscated. On a more severe offence, it could involve serving a jail term, and possibly deportation
to their home country.
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• UAE has zero-tolerance towards driving under the influence of alcohol. The government advises
consumers under the influence of alcohol to resort to public means of transportation or avail the
services provided by organisations such as Safer Driver in UAE (www.saferdriver.ae), which sends
a chauffeur to drive the client home in his/her vehicle to avoid any penalties.
• Sharjah is the only Emirate where trade and consumption of alcohol are strictly forbidden.
Following are the two exceptions in Sharjah:
▪ Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club,
▪ Duty-Free store at Sharjah International Airport,
▪ personal alcohol licence holders can bring alcohol into Sharjah for personal use and
consumption within the boundaries of their homes.
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION AND DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
Alcoholic beverages trade is broadly classified as follows:
1. On-Trade (consumption of alcohol at designated areas such as hotels, bars, night clubs etc.) and
Off-Trade channels (consumption off/or away from the premises such as licenced retail stores)
2. Duty-Free and Dubai Ports
3. Re-Export to other countries
Most of the alcoholic beverage trade is via the on-trade and off-trade channels and Duty-Free and Dubai
Ports occupying the second place in terms of sales turnover.
The growing number of hotels cater to on-trade outlets such as restaurants, pubs and night clubs in the
UAE, especially in context to Dubai. According to the report published by the US-UAE Business Council,
Dubai has long been the heart of the UAE’s tourism industry. In 2017, Dubai welcomed a staggering 15.8
million tourists. As of 2018, Dubai had 703 hotel and hotel apartment properties with a combined total of
111,864 rooms, an increase of 6% compared to the same time last year. Moreover, in 2017, Dubai had the
highest hotel occupancy rate in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Dubai also recorded the
highest international overnight visitor spend in 2017, with tourists spending $29.7 billion.
The hospitality industry in Abu Dhabi has also witnessed significant growth. From January to September
2018, over 3.7 million tourists visited the city. End of 2019, the city boasted 168 hotels totalling 32,800
rooms.
According to the Department of Culture & Tourism, Abu Dhabi recorded a total of recorded 5.1 million
hotel guests with a 73% occupancy rate. Dubai Statistic Centre reports 83% average occupancy rate for
the 521 number of hotels registered by the end of the first quarter in 2019.
Dubai airport witnessed 86.4 million passengers in 2019, followed by Abu Dhabi and Sharjah impacting the
alcohol beverage trade on a positive note. The passenger’s traffic has dropped 3.1%, but despite the dip,
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they retain its position as the world’s busiest hub for international passengers for the sixth consecutive
year.
Ongoing expansion projects in the UAE airports and the construction of new hotels reflect the anticipated
growth in the number of visitors also expected due to the much-anticipated Expo 2020 Dubai are all
factors that explain the surge in consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages.
6. MAJOR DISTRIBUTORS
The number of importers and distributors of alcoholic beverages is restricted to a selected few.
In Dubai, there is a duopoly between the two major distributors:
• African and Eastern (a+e):
o Parent Company - Owned by HE Ali Rashed Alabbar (Head of EMAAR) with 40% owned by
the Belgian AB InBev.
o Retail Statistics: 16 stores in Dubai, 9 in Abu Dhabi, 1 in Ras Al Khaimah, 1 in Fujairah
• Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI):
o MMI is a subsidiary of the Emirates Group.
o Sirocco formed as a joint venture between Emirates Group and Heineken International in
2005, and focusses on the sales, marketing and execution of an independent beer and cider
portfolio.
o Retail Statistics: 17 stores in Dubai, 9 in Abu Dhabi (managed under the banner Spinneys
Abu Dhabi LLC)
The approved license warrants each company to purchase, stock, and maintain supply, distribute and
retail in approved locations all over the UAE through their warehousing facilities and network of retail
stores.
The other significant players in this industry are as follows:
• Coastal Communities Distribution (CCD): Dubai based Nakheel Company owns Coastal Communities
Distribution (CCD). They have the license to distribute a wide variety of beverages exclusively
through its outlets on the artificial island called Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
• Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH): The leading hospitality group called Abu Dhabi National Hotels
(ADNH) is one of the major distributors of alcoholic beverages in some five-star hotels. Hotels
Division ADNH includes: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal; Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and
Villas; Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort; Le Meridien Abu Dhabi; Hilton Abu Dhabi; Hilton Al Ain;
Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach.
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Alcoholic beverages in the UAE pagina 7 van 21
• Holiday Group: Holiday Group with support of their sponsor Sheikh Yousif Khalifa Rashid Al Mualla,
a member of the Umm-Al-Quwain ruling family, is another important importer and distributor
in this segment. They operate under their trading banner called the Holiday Trading (The Cellar)
which has four units - Unigloble General Trading, Uniglobe Duty-Free, Eurostar General Trading
and Unisat General Trading.
o Holiday Trading (The Cellar) prides itself of the five liquor licenses in UAE, namely in Abu
Dhabi, Ajman, Ras-Al-Khaimah, Fujairah, Masfoot with 11 retail shops and 2 Duty-Free
shops;
o Unigloble General Trading – wholesaler in the northern emirates with 11 stores;
o Unisat General Trading - Emirates of Ajman for liquor retailing with 11 retail stores;
o Eurostar Cellar is the Abu Dhabi operation of the Trading Division that has retail
operations and houses the centre of excellence for wines. Eurostar handles the business
development and marketing activity relating to the wine portfolio ranging from various
countries. Stores are Tourist Club, Ghantoot and New POS in Abu Dhabi;
o Unigloble Duty-Free – in Fujairah, Sharjah.
• Truebell Marketing % Trading LLC (Beverages): Truebell Beverages distribute both non-alcoholic
and alcoholic beverages. They have retail operations in Ras al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, Umm Al
Quwain and Fujairah.
• Abu Dhabi Maritime and Mercantile International (ADMMI): Established in 1981, ADMMI is a 100%
locally owned company. Gray Mackenzie & partners work in partnership with ADMMI. Together,
ADMMI Group is partnering global brands to succeed in this unique market. Considered market
leaders in Abu Dhabi with multiple solely owned outlets, at premium Abu Dhabi locations. ADMMI
Group has six channels:
o Industrial Product Supply & Service Installation
o Distribution of Licenced Beverages
o Distribution of FMCG Brands
o Retail & Corporate Travel Services
o Internal & Third Part Logistics
o Electrical Good Distribution
Recent trends in the UAE has seen the growth of online retail sale of alcoholic beverages as well.
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7. UNDERSTANDING UAE ALCOHOL(BEER)MARKET
What are the first things you need to factor in when thinking of doing business in the UAE in the
Alcohol sector?
• Understanding the Islamic Sharia law and the following regulations or applicability in the
UAE:
▪ The law prohibits the production and consumption of alcoholic beverages for Muslims.
▪ The law is strictly applied to all Muslim residents in the country, regardless of national
origin.
• Only non-Muslim expatriates living in the UAE are allowed to consume alcohol.
• Respecting the cultural aspects of this region is a key factor in building relationships.
Where is the sale of alcohol permitted in the UAE?
• The consumption of alcohol is under strict regulations and alcohol can be sold and consumed
only in:
▪ designated retail stores,
▪ licensed outlets such as restaurants, bars and night clubs that are either part of a hotel
or selected sports clubs.
• Each Emirate state has its governing laws around alcohol consumption.
Which Emirate in the UAE does not permit the sale of alcohol?
• Sharjah is the only dry state or Emirate in the UAE and does not permit on-trade and off-
trade sales. However, please note the following exceptions:
▪ Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club,
▪ duty-free store at Sharjah International Airport,
▪ personal alcohol licence holders can bring alcohol into Sharjah for personal use and
consumption within the boundaries of their homes.
Is sale of alcohol allowed in grocery stores, supermarkets or restaurants that are not part of any
hotel?
• No alcohol sales are allowed in grocery stores, supermarkets or restaurants.
Is there any local production of alcoholic drinks in the UAE?
• There is no production of alcoholic drinks in the UAE, and hence all brands are imported,
especially the internationally known brands.
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Are advertising and promotional activities in the alcohol industry permitted in the UAE?
• Due to religious sensitivity, public advertisement is not permitted.
What are the media platforms that are not allowed for promotional activities?
• Any public media platform such as newspaper, mass media is strictly prohibited.
• Display of product names, brands and pictures of alcohol are also now allowed in the UAE.
• Window display at the licensed stores is also not permitted.
What kind of promotional and advertising activities are allowed in the UAE?
• The licensed liquor companies can hold events such as sampling and in-store weekly
promotional activities.
• Flyers, magazines, banners and other printed media can be distributed during the above
promotional activities.
• On-Trade channels such as pubs, bars, restaurants, night clubs (that are part of a hotel or
sports club) and have the required license can hold these similar events.
How is the alcoholic beverages trade in the UAE segmented?
• The alcoholic beverage trade can be divided into three broad categories:
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How is the end-user price calculated?
COST 1 Import Price * x% excise duty (excise duties vary depending on the port of import;
Dubai: 50%)
COST 2 COST 1 * Distributors mark-up
COST 3 COST 2 * 30% Dubai or Abu Dhabi Taxes (this step is not applicable for other
Emirates – only Dubai and Abu Dhabi have these municipality taxes)
COST 4 Cost 3 * Retailers (on-trade) margin and profit
COST 5 COST 4 * any service charges * 5% VAT (End-user – final price for the consumer
Who are the key importers and distributors in the UAE?
• The most prominent and known importers and distributors in this region are:
▪ Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI)
▪ African + Eastern (A+E)
▪ Abu Dhabi Maritime & Mercantile International Company / Gray Mackenzie &
Partner
▪ Holiday Group
▪ Truebell Marketing and Trading LLC
▪ Dubai Duty-Free
▪ Coastal Communities Distribution
▪ Intagulf FZCO
▪ Abu Dhabi National Hotels
8. THE DISTRIBUTORS IN A NUTSHELL
Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI)
Company Profile
• Parent Company: Emirates Group
• Sirocco is a sister company to MMI and is a joint venture between Emirates and Heineken
International which manages the sales and marketing of a range of premium global beverages
in the Middle East.
• Sirocco has a market share of 60% in Dubai.
• Ranks number one in the beverage distribution.
• Supply both on-off trade and Duty-Free Dubai ports
• International presence: Zanzibar, the Maldives, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Thailand, South Africa,
Seychelles, Oman
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• MMI is proud to be home to 7 of the world’s top 10 premium spirit producers, the most extensive
wine portfolio in the Gulf of over 2,400 products, including 30 of the top 50 “World’s’ Most
Admired Wine Brands”
• Retail Statistics: 17 stores in Dubai, 9 in Abu Dhabi (managed under the banner Spinneys Abu
Dhabi LLC)
• Online stores: LE Clos and Al Hamra
• Significant Market Presence: Primarily Dubai
• Company website:
o MMI - https://www.mmidubai.com/
o Sirocco - https://www.mmidubai.com/corporate/our-partners/leading-beers/
Sourcing Information
• Attends the London International Wine Fair
• International visits to review products
• Samples are sourced in
• Small breweries not part of their focus. Account management considered expensive. They
consider small breweries only when there is a guaranteed clientele.
Proposals should indicate the following:
• Availability of quantity
• Pricing (US$ preferred) – both EXW and FOB
• Terms of credit offered
• Promotional support level (A&P)
• Details of any suppliers in the countries MMI has a presence
Review process:
• Portfolio review meetings assessment
• Initial approval of proposal – samples for MMI tasting panel is requested
African + Eastern
Company Profile
• Parent Company – Owned by HE Ali Rashed Alabbar (Head of EMAAR)
• 40% owned by the Belgian AB InBev
• Retail Statistics: 16 stores in Dubai, 9 in Abu Dhabi, 1 in Ras Al Khaimah, 1 in Fujairah
• Gulf Beverages established in 2008 caters to the travel retail such as Emirates Airlines, Etihad
Airways, Abu Dhabi and Dubai Duty-Free among others
• Significant Market Presence: Primarily Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Company Website: https://www.africaneastern.com/
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Belgian Beer Portfolio
Draught Package Duvel
Moortgat
Package
Huyghe
Brewery
Package ABI Package
Bosteels
Package
Chimay
Package
Lefebvre
Package
Castle
Brewery Van
Honsebrouck
Package
Westmalle
Stella Artois Duvel
Delirium
Tremens Hoegaarden Kwak
Chimay
Rouge Hopus
Kasteelbier
Brun
Westmalle
Triple
Stella Artois
Cidre Duvel 75cl
Delirium
Red Leffe Blond
Triple
Karmeleit
Chimay
Bleu Barbar
Kasteelbier
Triple
Hoegaarden
Le Chouffe
Blond
Fruli
Strawberry
Beer Leffe Brune
Leffe Blond
Le Chouffe Dark
Ale Floris Apple
Leffe
Radieuse
Leffe Brune De Koninck
Floris
Framboise
Belle Vue
Kriek Maredsous 6
Floris
Chocolate
Maredsous 10
Floris
Passion
Fruit
Sourcing Information
Trade Fairs attendance
• Attends known trade fairs
• Marketing information
• Actively involved with Belgian beers due to AB Inbev shareholding.
• Small breweries not part of their focus. Account management considered expensive. They
consider small breweries only when there is a guaranteed clientele
Proposals should indicate the following:
• Availability of quantity
• Pricing (US$ preferred) – both EXW and FOB
• Terms of credit offered
• Promotional support level (A&P)
• Details of any suppliers in the countries A+E has a presence
Review process: Portfolio review meetings assessment
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Abu Dhabi Maritime & Mercantile International Company (ADMMI) / Gray Mackenzie & Partner
Company Profile
• Established in 1981, ADMMI is a 100% locally owned company
• Associate company is Gray Mackenzie & partners. Together, ADMMI Group is partnering global
brands to succeed in this unique market.
• ADMMI Group has six channels:
o Industrial Product Supply & Service Installation
o Distribution of Licenced Beverages
o Distribution of FMCG Brands
o Retail & Corporate Travel Services
o Internal & Third Part Logistics
o Electrical Good Distribution
• Considered market leaders in Abu Dhabi with multiple solely owned outlets, at premium Abu
Dhabi locations
• Significant Market Presence: Primarily Abu Dhabi
• They work directly with the suppliers
• Company Website - https://graymackenzie.com/
Sourcing Information
Proposals should indicate the following:
• GMP is continually reviewing its portfolio to offer the most comprehensive line of products in
the market.
• Send an email with your details and product info to [email protected]
• Include the following information:
o Availability of quantity
o Pricing (US$ preferred) – both EXW and FOB
o Terms of credit offered
o Promotional support level (A&P)
o Details of any suppliers in the countries ADMMI has a presence
Holiday Group
Company Profile
• Holiday Group work in partnership with the local support of their sponsor Sheikh Yousif Khalifa
Rashid Al Mualla, a member of the Umm-Al-Quwain ruling family,
• Alcoholic Beverages operate under Holiday Trading (The Cellar) which has four units:
o Unigloble General Trading - wholesaler in the northern emirates with 11 stores
o Uniglobe Duty-Free - in Fujairah, Sharjah
o Eurostar General Trading - handles the business development and marketing activity
relating to the wine portfolio ranging from various countries. Stores are Tourist Club,
Ghantoot and New POS in Abu Dhabi
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o Unisat General Trading - Emirates of Ajman for liquor retailing with 11 retail stores
• Holiday Trading (The Cellar) - has five liquor licenses in UAE, namely in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras-
Al-Khaimah, Fujairah, Masfoot with 11 retail shops and 2 Duty-Free shops.
• The in-house logistic and distribution capability has given the company the much-needed
superior control over imports and distribution.
• As part of backward integration, the Group has ventured in alcoholic beverage distilling and
operates a sophisticated distillery in India.
• Significant Market Presence: Across UAE
• Company presentation:
Holiday Group
-Company Presentation_2016_final.pdf
Truebell Marketing and Trading LLC
Company Profile
• Established in 1984. Privately held company
• 12 Independent Business Units
• They are in the following segments:
o Food
o Beverages
o Hospitality
o Supplies
o Retail duty-free
• Truebell signed an exclusive distribution agreement with San Miguel Philippines to build the San
Miguel and Red Horse brands in the GCC.
• Top three preferred suppliers for Dubai Duty-Free with over 50 SKU’s of exclusive distribution
spirits and over 30 SKU’s of exclusive distribution wines in Dubai Duty-Free.
• Direct purchase from breweries and supplying to the Ho.Re.Ca & Duty-Free Channels.
• They claim to have the most extensive portfolio of wines spirits in the region, with over 2000
leading labels.
• Work directly with most of the world’s top ten spirits companies.
• They have 64 different craft beers
• Significant Market Presence: Umm Al Quwain and HORECA target market across UAE
Company website: https://www.truebell.org/beverages/
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Beer Portfolio
Dubai Duty-Free
Company Profile
• They were founded in 1983. Dubai Duty-Free has continued its investment in the development
and expansion of its retail offer both in Dubai International Airport and at Al Maktoum
International Airport with a total retail area over 40,000 square meters.
• One of the biggest travel retail operators in the world with a sales turnover of US$2.029
billion in 2019
• 2019 recorded sales of 9,011,050 beer cans
• Significant Market Presence – Dubai Airport
• Company website:
o https://www.dubaidutyfree.com/home
o https://www.dubaidutyfree.com/beer/category/10786
Beer Portfolio
• Main Beer Brands
o Heineken
o Amstel
o Tiger
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8.1 OTHER MARKET PLAYERS
Coastal Communities
Distribution
Abu Dhabi National Hotels Intagulf FZCO
Company Profile Company Profile Company Profile
• They are owned by Dubai
based Nakheel Company
(one of the leading real
estate & developers in the
UAE).
• They have exclusive
distribution rights in –
Palm Jumeirah – catering
to hotels, restaurants
• Company website:
http://www.kalianbrandin
g.com/cid-tolkien
• Significant Market Presence
– Palm Jumeirah Dubai
• Abu Dhabi National Hotels
(ADNH) - hotel owner and
asset manager.
• Evolved into a hospitality
group - hotels, restaurants,
destination management
services, catering and
transportation
• Hotels Division ADNH
includes - The Ritz-Carlton
Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal;
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel
and Villas; Sheraton Abu
Dhabi Hotel & Resort; Le
Meridien Abu Dhabi; Hilton
Abu Dhabi; Hilton Al Ain;
Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah
Beach.
• Company Website:
http://www.adnh.com
• Significant Market Presence:
Abu Dhabi ADNH chain of
hotels
• Distributor of non-
alcoholic and alcoholic
beverages, food (frozen,
chilled and ambient) and
household items &
products
• Based out of Jabel Ali
Freezone – they operate in
all Emirates other than
Dubai
• They re-export
• Company Website – not
available
• Significant Market
Presence: Across UAE
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Alcoholic beverages in the UAE pagina 17 van 21
9. STATISTICAL INFORMATION 2018
The below statistical information is from the first nine months of 2018 – Federal Competitiveness And Statistical Authority
Netherlands23%
Belgium8%
China10%
Mexico8%
United Kingdom9%
United States5%
Vietnam3%
Germany3%
Italy3%
Thailand4%
Ireland3%
India2%
Philippines2%
Other17%
UAE IMPORTS ON BEER 2018
Netherlands Belgium China Mexico
United Kingdom United States Vietnam Germany
Italy Thailand Ireland India
Philippines Other
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Statistical Data below:
UAE IMPORTS OF SPIRITS FOR 2018
YEAR Sub-Item
Code Sub-Item Country
الواردات Imports
بالدرهم - القيمة Value in AED
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. NETHERLANDS 65 084 904
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. OTHERS 30 665 611
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. CHINA 27 082 140
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
24 412 038
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. BELGIUM 24 086 946
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. MEXICO 22 051 295
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15 443 806
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. THAILAND 12 114 550
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. ITALY 9 676 141
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. GERMANY 9 555 139
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. VIET NAM 7 414 301
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. IRELAND 7 292 969
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. RUSSIAN FEDERATION 6 298 184
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. INDIA 5 344 621
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. PHILIPPINES 4 922 383
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. DENMARK 3 222 711
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. SPAIN 2 772 577
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. SINGAPORE 2 272 113
2018 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. INDONESIA 1 271 778
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Alcoholic beverages in the UAE pagina 19 van 21
10. STATISTICAL INFORMATION 2017
The below statistical information is from 2017 – Federal Competitiveness And Statistical Authority
Netherlands28%
Belgium8%
China8%Mexico
9%
United Kingdom7%
United States6%
Vietnam4%
Germany4%
Italy4%
Thailand6%
Ireland3%
India2%
Philippines1%
Other10%
UAE IMPORTS ON BEER 2017
Netherlands Belgium China Mexico United Kingdom
United States Vietnam Germany Italy Thailand
Ireland India Philippines Other
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pagina 20 van 21 Alcoholic beverages in the UAE
Statistical Data Below:
UAE IMPORTS OF SPIRITS FOR 2017
YEAR Sub-Item
Code Sub-Item Country
الواردات Imports
بالدرهم -القيمة Value in AED
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. NETHERLANDS 98 251 417
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. MEXICO 33 328 753
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. BELGIUM 28 752 448
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. CHINA 28 282 155
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
24 900 949
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. THAILAND 21 760 278
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
21 425 752
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. GERMANY 15 874 394
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. ITALY 15 803 049
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. VIET NAM 13 888 491
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. IRELAND 10 030 212
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. INDIA 7 718 693
YEAR Sub-Item
Code Sub-Item Country
الواردات Imports
بالدرهم -القيمة Value in AED
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. Group of Free Zones 7 434 021
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. RUSSIAN FEDERATION 6 988 150
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. DENMARK 4 660 035
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. SINGAPORE 4 544 085
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. SPAIN 2 278 203
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. FRANCE 2 122 114
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. PHILIPPINES 2 060 290
2017 2203 BEER MADE FROM MALT. HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA
1 144 589
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Alcoholic beverages in the UAE pagina 21 van 21
11. SOURCES
1. https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/united-arab-emirates-population/
2. https://gulfnews.com/uae/free-liquor-licence-for-tourists-in-dubai-1.65167272
3. https://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/dubai-international-retains-number-one-rank-as-
world-s-busiest-hub-for-international-passengers-1.974319
4. https://usuaebusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Hospitality-Tourism-Leisure-report-
January-2019.pdf
5. file:///C:/Users/duba04/OneDrive%20-%20FIT/Trade%20Case/Reports/Hospitality-Tourism-
Leisure-report-Jahttps://www.albawaba.com/business/uae-leading-region-alcohol-consumption-
and-here%E2%80%99s-what-they-intend-do-about-i-1146650
6. https://www.albawaba.com/business/uae-leading-region-alcohol-consumption-and-
here%E2%80%99s-what-they-intend-do-about-i-1146650
7. https://www.globalmediainsight.com/blog/dubai-tourism-statistics/
8. http://www.holidaygroup.cc/assets/pdf/NEWLiqor_Corr_March_2016_final.pdf nuary-2019.pdf
Other Sources:
1. UAE Alcoholic Beverages Report 2012 – Report by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Team
2. Briefing on UAE Alcohol Industry Report - Western Australian Trade Office – Dubai
3. First-hand information received from companies such as A+E, MMI
For more information, please contact:
Flanders Investment & Trade Dubai
World Trade Center, 14th floor
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai - UAE
T +971 50 573 96 89
Disclaimer
The information in this publication is provided for background information that should enable you to get a picture of the subject
treated in this document. It is collected with the greatest care based on all data and documentation available at the moment of
publication. Thus this publication was never intended to be the perfect and correct answer to your specific situation. Consequently
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