A joint venture between Heineken and Dubai's Maritime Mercantile International, named Sirocco, is set to construct the Gulf's first significant commercial brewery in Dubai. This move follows the acquisition of all necessary licenses and permits. Construction is slated to commence before the end of 2025, with the brewery expected to commence operations by the end of 2027.
Sirocco plans to establish a brewery that will produce popular beer brands in Dubai, a city that has long permitted alcohol consumption. Dubai, the most populous of the seven emirates comprising the UAE, is renowned for its hotels, beaches, and iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower. Last year, it attracted approximately 17 million visitors, many of whom came from Europe, Russia, and India.
In recent times, Dubai has relaxed restrictions on purchasing alcohol from stores, mirroring similar changes in Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital. The UAE's inaugural brewery, Craft by Side Hustle, opened in Abu Dhabi in 2023. This microbrewery and gastropub began operations at the Galleria Al Maryah Island. Side Hustle, the UAE's first craft alcohol brand, is available in liquor stores and offers in-house brewed hops, grains, and cocktails, complemented by southern smokehouse and pub cuisine.
In 2021, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi introduced a 'Fermentation Permit' as part of its guidelines on licensing procedures for alcoholic beverages.
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