2020-12-30
The Registration Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) issued this guidance in December 2020 to establish compliance requirements for ADGM Entities serving alcohol on Al Maryah Island. The document mandates that entities maintain valid commercial licenses and alcohol permits, enforce a minimum service age of 21, and strictly prohibit off-premises consumption and public advertising. Additionally, it requires accurate stock record-keeping, approved supplier contracts, and fully operational CCTV surveillance systems to ensure regulatory adherence.
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Guidance Overview The purpose of this guidance is to assist ADGM Entities, located in Al Maryah Island, in relation to the requirements for serving alcohol to guests for consumption within their premises. This guidance covers:
Service of Alcohol Requirements In accordance with the applicable UAE laws concerning alcohol, all ADGM Entities must adhere to the following requirements:
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Introduction to Abu Dhabi Global Market Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) is a broad based international financial centre, established pursuant to Abu Dhabi Law No. 4 of 2013 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. With its own civil and commercial laws based on English common law, ADGM offers the local, regional and international business community a world-class legal system and regulatory regime.
This guidance has been prepared and issued by the Registration Authority to assist ADGM registered tourist and hotel entities (“ADGM Entities”) established in ADGM, in relation to the service of alcohol.
Registration Authority The Registration Authority (“RA”) is one of ADGM’s three independent authorities, together with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and ADGM Courts. The RA is responsible for the administration of the commercial legislation in ADGM including the registration and commercial licensing of businesses operating in or from Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
The Corporate Relations Division The Corporate Relations Division forms part of the RA and is responsible for issuing permits and NOCs to ADGM Entities, to facilitate their operations and assist in their compliance with the set guidelines for such practices.
The Corporate Relations Division offers various services to ADGM Entities, their employees (and families). Those services include but are not limited to:
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Contact Details The RA is open from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00am to 3:00pm. The Corporate Relations Division may be contacted on the following email: Gov.Services@adgm.com
Disclaimer Please note that this guidance includes non‐binding and interpretive guidance with regard to the service of alcohol in ADGM. Further advice from a specialist professional in relation to the implementation of this guidance may be required. ADGM makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness or suitability of any information and will not be liable for any error or omission. Information in this guidance is not to be deemed, considered or relied upon as legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for a specific advice concerning any individual situation. Any action taken upon the information provided in this guidance is strictly at your own risk and ADGM will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of or reliance on information provided in this guidance.
For more information, please contact the Registration Authority on: Telephone: +971 2 333 8888 Email (general): ra@adgm.com Email (permits): accessadgm.cases@adgm.com Published: December 2020