Dubai and the rest of the Emirates have some of the strictest policies in the world against drunk driving. Law enforcement has a zero-tolerance approach towards drunk driving. Fines, license suspensions, black points and even imprisonment can also be imposed.
We are trying to provide an overview of the UAE drink driving laws, some recent cases , the penalties the offenders face, and the possible ways to avoid troubles.
DUI in Dubai: What the law says
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): The penalty includes a jail term and a AED 20,000 to AED 100,000 fine, and suspension of the license (3 months, 6 months and cancellation respectively). The average fines issued in Dubai on drink and drive begin at AED 20,000.
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Narcotics/psychotropic substances: Convicted individuals maybe jailed and fined anywhere between AED 30,000-AED 200,000, with stiffer license suspensions: 6 months (first), 1 year (second), canceled (third).
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is a punishable criminal offense that involves imprisonment, significant fines with addition of black points as well as impoundment of the vehicle.
Black points and impound: what should we expect?
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DUI automatically adds 23 black points to your license .
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Light vehicles are impounded and kept for a period of 60 days period.
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These are classified as DUI traffic violations in Dubai which carry some of the most severe penalties in the UAE legal framework.
24 black points in 12 months can lead to prolonged suspensions and other fines.
Recent cases of DUI in Dubai
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August 2025 -Dubai: An Asian driver was ordered to pay a AED 25000 fine and had his license suspended after he was involved in a drink-driving accident in Dubai, which also resulted in property damage.
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December 2024 – Dubai: Another driver was jailed two years and fined AED 100,000 in a case involving driving under the influence of drugs, as well as losing his license for a year.
These cases show how seriously the courts take the issue of drunk driving and drugs.
Trends over the last five years
- In 2023, Dubai recorded the lowest death rate of 1.6 deaths per 100,000.
- In 2024, there were 384 deaths in the UAE in road-related accidents, of which 158 were killed in Dubai.
Courts have handed down heavy penalties over the years.
- In 2022, a drunk driver was imprisoned after driving through a red light and the wrong way.
- Later in 2024, authorities enforced a two-year prison sentence along with an AED 100,000 fine for a person caught driving under the influence of drugs.
- In 2025, an alcohol-related crash resulted in an AED 25,000 fine and immediate driving license suspension of the Asian individual.
These instances reemphasize the fact that the UAE drink driving regulations are stringent and strictly applied.
The real cost of DUI in Dubai
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Fines: AED 20,000–100,000 for alcohol cases, and AED 30,000–200,000 for narcotics cases.
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Imprisonment: A first conviction could also result in imprisonment, depending on the impact of the case.
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License penalties: 23 black points, vehicle impound and suspension of license or even cancellation in some cases.
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Reputation: A criminal record will adversely affect your current employment, visa and entry in other countries.
How to avoid drunk driving
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Plan your ride in advance. Before going out, decide how you will get home if you plan to drink.
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Designate a friend as a sober driver for the entire evening.
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Take an Uber or Careem or use safe driver services like Comfort Drive. The cost is minimal compared to a DUI case.
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Make your booking well in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
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Never make the mistake of assuming you are fit to drive after drinking — the UAE has a zero-tolerance alcohol policy.
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If you’ve driven earlier, don’t risk it again. Leave the car overnight at the hotel if necessary.
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Be a responsible person and advise others to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol.
An easy solution: ComfortDrive.ae
FAQ
What is the minimum penalty for drunk driving?
The minimum penalty is a fine of AED 20,000 and can sometimes be jail time too. Plus three month suspension of the license on the first offence.
What is the fine for drunk driving in UAE?
Fines may vary between AED 20,000 and AED 100,000 in DUI-related incidents involving alcohol and up to AED 200,000 in DUIs involving narcotics.
What is the maximum punishment for drunk driving as a first offence?
A first offence can be punishable by imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to AED 100,000. The motorist’s driving license may also be suspended for 3 months.
What happens if you are caught drinking in Dubai?
Any person who does not hold a alcohol license or permit may be fined up to AED 5,000 and/or imprisoned to six months. If caught in a drink and drive case the penalties increase dramatically to jail time, black points, fines and suspension.
How long until I can drive after drinking?
There is no safe waiting period. The UAE follows a zero blood-alcohol policy, and there is simply no safe option other than not driving until the following day or taking a safe driver service or a taxi to reach home.
Final word
The UAE has stringent regulations that safeguard the rights of all road users. DUI can result in steep fines, black points, cancellation or suspension of driving licence, impoundment of the vehicle, and even prison in some court cases. The simplest way to avoid these consequences is clear: Do not drive if you are under the influence of alcohol.
Rather, make arrangements in advance, hire a driver to drive you home or take a taxi. The hassle is minor compared to the lifetime consequences of a DUI conviction.
(This article is for general awareness, not legal advice. If someone already faces charges, they should speak to a UAE-licensed lawyer.)
