The British Embassy has warned Britain tourists not to drink on Dubai or Abu Dhabi-bound flights or they could be arrested, after a woman was detained by authorities for drinking a glass of wine while flying from London.
The UK consulate posted a stark message about drinking in the United Arab Emirates on its Facebook page on Thursday.
UAE residents must obtain alcohol licences to drink, and tourists are restricted to consuming alcohol in hotels and licensed premises.
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"If you hold a residence permit it is illegal to purchase or consume alcohol without a liquor licence. Carry it with you at all times, NB a licence is only valid in the Emirate that issued it," read the post.
"Sharjah Emirate is dry & drinking alcohol is illegal.
"If caught carrying or drinking alcohol without a licence or with alcohol in your blood you can be arrested. It is a punishable offence to be under the influence of alcohol in public-including when transiting through the UAE.
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"It can result in custodial sentences &/or fine (other offences committed while drunk will be heard separately)."
The message continued: "There is zero tolerance for drink driving in the UAE. You can be arrested as a passenger in a car driven by someone with alcohol in their blood."
Swedish dentist and mum-of-three Ellie Holman, who lives in Kent, was detained by authorities in Dubai on 13th July, after drinking one glass of wine on her eight-hour Emirates Airline Flight. Ellie was reportedly held for three days after being asked if she'd drunk alcohol on the flight.
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While the charges were later dropped, human rights group, Detained in Dubai, has said that the UAE must 'urgently' change its laws, or airlines must update their policies on flights.
Detained in Dubais' chief executive, Radha Stirling, said: "In light of the FCO's announcement, we will be contacting all airlines who transit to or through the UAE to clarify their position on serving alcohol to passengers.
"Either the UAE will need to reform their laws urgently, or the airlines will need to update their policy to ensure the safety of customers."
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