Dubai ends hefty alcohol tax, liquor licence fees

Bold move: A waitress serves customers beer at a restaurant in Dubai. The latest government initiative is due to last for a year as a trial period according to industry executives informed of the decision. — AP

DUBAI: Dubai kicked off the new year by scrapping a 30% tax on alcohol sales and making liquor licences free, in an apparent move to bolster its status as the Middle East’s leading business and tourism hub.

Faced with increasing competition from Persian Gulf neighbours such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the government has introduced a series of rules over the past few years to make itself more attractive for foreigners to live and work.