No, purchasing Everclear (95%+ ethanol) in the UAE is prohibited under Federal Decree-Law No. 37 of 2021 on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which classifies high-proof ethanol as a controlled substance. The Ministry of Interior’s 2024 circular further restricts its sale, possession, or import without a valid permit from the Dubai Police Narcotics Department or Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development. Violations may result in fines up to AED 50,000, imprisonment, or deportation.
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in United Arab Emirates
- Absolute Ban on Unlicensed Possession: Federal Decree-Law No. 37 explicitly prohibits the acquisition of ethanol exceeding 60% ABV without a government-issued permit, enforced by local police narcotics units.
- Permit Requirements for Industrial/Scientific Use: Entities must secure approval from the UAE’s National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) or relevant emirate-level authorities, with mandatory inspections of storage facilities.
- Strict Import Controls: The Federal Customs Authority, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, bans personal imports of Everclear via air cargo or postal services, with seizures documented in 2023–2024 operations.
Local enforcement agencies, including Sharjah Police’s Anti-Narcotics Division, conduct routine checks at retail outlets and warehouses. The UAE’s 2026 National Drug Control Strategy prioritizes interdiction of high-proof alcohols, aligning with GCC-wide harmonization efforts under the 2022 Unified Arab Law on Narcotics.