The consumption of alcoholic beverages by tourists in the United Arab Emirates exhibited notable fluctuations over the past decade. From 161.0 thousand metric tons in 2014, there was a significant reduction to 103.0 in 2015, followed by a steady recovery. The highest spike occurred in 2017 with 196.0, representing an 86.67% year-on-year increase. Consumption metrics for 2023 stood at 176.0 thousand metric tons, boasting a year-on-year growth of 1.15% and a five-year CAGR of 1.06%.

Forecasts indicate a moderate upward trend in consumption, projected to reach 183.75 thousand metric tons in 2028, driven by a forecasted five-year CAGR of 0.69% and an overall growth rate of 3.5%.

Future trends to watch for:

Regulatory changes impacting the accessibility and pricing of alcoholic beverages.
Influence of global events, such as World Expos, which could boost tourist inflow.
Shifts in consumer preferences towards non-alcoholic alternatives and wellness trends.