A joint venture led by Heineken is set to open the Gulf’s first major commercial brewery in Dubai. After securing all the necessary licenses and permits, construction is expected to begin before the end of 2025, with the brewery planned to launch by late 2027.
Sirocco, a partnership between Heineken and Dubai’s Maritime Mercantile International, announced its plans to build the brewery in Dubai. The facility will produce well-known beer brands, adding to Dubai’s reputation as a hub that allows alcohol consumption.
Dubai, the most populated emirate in the UAE, attracted around 17 million visitors last year. Tourists from Europe, Russia, and India flock to its hotels, beaches, and iconic attractions like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
In recent years, Dubai has eased rules around purchasing alcohol, making it more accessible in stores. Similarly, Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, has also relaxed alcohol regulations.
The UAE’s first brewery, Craft by Side Hustle, opened in Abu Dhabi in 2023. Located in the Galleria on Al Maryah Island, it is a microbrewery and gastropub offering in-house brewed hops and cocktails paired with southern smokehouse-inspired cuisine. It is also available in liquor stores, making Side Hustle the UAE’s first craft alcohol brand.
In 2021, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism introduced a “Fermentation Permit” as part of its licensing guidelines for alcoholic beverages, further supporting the growth of this industry in the UAE.
