The wealthy emirate of Dubai has abolished a 30% tax on alcohol sales, according to distributors, in an apparent attempt to attract more tourists amid competition between major cities in the Persian Gulf region, writes AFP.

The abolition of this tax, announced on the social networks of Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI) and African and Eastern, but not confirmed by the authorities, will lead to a reduction in the prices of one of the world’s highest pints of beer (half a liter), which costs an average of about fifteen euros.

MMI and African and Eastern also said that the permit to buy alcohol, which was in effect for non-Muslims aged 21 and over, who had to buy from several licensed shops in Dubai, is now free.

“Buying your favorite drinks has become easier and cheaper!” MMI boasted in a post on Facebook.

According to local media, the decision came into effect on January 1.

Dubai, a financial, commercial and tourism hub, is also the most famous of the seven members of the UAE federation, a Muslim country that is one of the world’s biggest oil exporters and has gradually relaxed its alcohol laws.

Unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia, most of the UAE has licensed alcohol outlets, including hotels, restaurants, bars and specialty shops. However, alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed in public places.

Of the country’s seven emirates, only Sharjah, Dubai’s neighbor, completely bans alcohol.

The decision to make booze cheaper in Dubai comes as Saudi Arabia continues to push to attract foreign visitors and businesses and gas-rich Qatar recently hosted the World Cup.

According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai attracted more than 12 million foreign visitors in the first 11 months of the year, more than double the 6 million expected for the same period in 2021.