Alcohol from Saudi Arabia to United Arab Emirates: customs rules & duty

Alcohol rules in United Arab Emirates

Non-Muslim adults (18+): about 4 litres of spirits/wine or 24 cans of beer. Not allowed for Muslim passengers. ≈ Estimated

Duty-free allowance in United Arab Emirates

AED 3,000: Gifts, perfumes and personal goods up to AED 3,000 are duty-free. ✅ Official

5% customs duty (GCC common tariff) plus 5% VAT on the excess. ≈ Estimated

Leaving Saudi Arabia

• Declare cash, gold or jewellery of SAR 60,000 or more when leaving Saudi Arabia. ✅ Official

Declare or pay online

• Dubai Customs iDeclare app: Declare commercial goods, personal items, cash (AED 60,000+), jewellery and gifts over AED 3,000 before or after landing in Dubai. ✅ Official

⚖️ If you don't declare

• Not declaring cash/precious metals of AED 60,000+: fines and the amount can be held.
• Undeclared goods: duty plus penalties and confiscation.
• Drugs (including CBD and some prescription medicines without approval): arrest and jail.

≈ Estimated

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Gold jewellery: Saudi Arabia → United Arab Emirates
• Mobile phones: Saudi Arabia → United Arab Emirates
• Laptops & tablets: Saudi Arabia → United Arab Emirates
• Cash & currency: Saudi Arabia → United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia → United Arab Emirates
• All rules for United Arab Emirates

Sources

• ✅ Official UAE Government portal (u.ae) – Customs clearance
• ✅ Official ZATCA – Traveller declaration

Last checked: 2026-11-09