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Procedure to start a Liquor Shop in Abu Dhabi

Obtain a liquor license from the relevant authorities, such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) or the Abu Dhabi Alcohol License Committee. The specific requirements and procedures may vary, so contact the appropriate authority for detailed information.
Register your business with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority if you plan to set up your shop in a designated free zone.
Find a suitable location for your liquor shop and ensure it complies with the regulations regarding proximity to certain establishments, such as schools or places of worship.
Obtain a NOC from the landlord or property owner, allowing you to operate a liquor shop on their premises.
Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your objectives, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational details.
Submit the required documents, including your business plan, lease agreement, trade name reservation, and personal documents, to the relevant authorities for review and approval.
Once you receive the necessary approvals and licenses, proceed with setting up your shop.
Purchase or lease the required equipment, such as shelving, refrigeration units, point-of-sale systems, and security systems.

Documents Required

Completed application form.
A business plan outlining your objectives, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational details.
Copy of your passport and Emirates ID (for all partners/owners).
Copy of your residency visa or entry permit.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner or landlord allowing you to operate a liquor shop on their premises.
Lease agreement or proof of ownership for the proposed location.
Trade name reservation certificate.
Proof of financial capability, such as bank statements or audited financial statements.
Health and safety compliance documents related to your shop premises.
Any other documents specified by the relevant authorities during the application process.

Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a liquor license in Abu Dhabi.
Residence: You need to be a resident of Abu Dhabi with a valid residency visa or entry permit.
No Criminal Record: Applicants are typically required to provide a certificate of good conduct or a declaration stating that they do not have any criminal record related to alcohol offenses.
Compliance with Sharia Law: Abu Dhabi follows Sharia law, which governs various aspects of daily life, including the consumption and sale of alcohol. It is important to comply with the regulations and guidelines set by the authorities to ensure adherence to these laws.

Liquor License for Individuals:

This license allows individuals who are residents of Abu Dhabi and non-Muslims to purchase and consume alcohol for personal use.
It is usually obtained from the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) or the relevant authority responsible for issuing liquor licenses.

Import/Export License

This license is required for businesses involved in the import or export of alcoholic beverages.
It allows authorized entities to import alcoholic products into Abu Dhabi or export them to other locations.
The specific authority responsible for issuing import/export licenses may vary, such as the Abu Dhabi Customs or other relevant authorities.