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Heineken plans Gulf’s first major brewery in Dubai
Dubai’s first major commercial brewery will be built by Heineken and Maritime Mercantile International, aiming for a 2027 opening.
Heineken’s joint venture, Sirocco, is set to build Dubai’s first major commercial brewery, marking a significant milestone for the Gulf region’s alcohol industry.
The brewery, a partnership between Heineken and Maritime Mercantile International (MMI), a state-linked Dubai entity, is expected to begin construction by late 2025 and open its doors by the end of 2027.
Heineken is the world’s second biggest beer producer behind AB InBev, originally founded in Amsterdam by Gerard Heineken. It now encompasses more than 300 brands, including Amstel, Tiger, Desperados, Moretti and more.
The facility will produce Heineken’s popular beer brands in Dubai, which has long permitted alcohol consumption in designated spaces. According to Sirocco, all necessary permits and licences have already been secured, paving the way for the Gulf’s inaugural large-scale brewery.
Loosening of conservative rules
Dubai, the most populous of the United Arab Emirates’ seven emirates, is well-known for its vibrant hospitality sector.
The city attracted 17 million visitors in 2023, drawn to its luxury hotels, beaches, and attractions such as the Burj Khalifa. Many of these visitors come from regions with strong beer-drinking cultures, including Europe, India, and Russia, making Dubai a prime location for brewing operations.
The brewery will cater to the emirate’s thriving bar and restaurant scene, which has benefited from recent changes in alcohol regulations.
In recent years, restrictions on purchasing alcohol in Dubai have eased, reflecting a broader liberalisation trend across the UAE and growth areas for wine and spirits. Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, has similarly relaxed rules, with at least one bar already offering locally brewed beer.
While Heineken’s move into Dubai’s brewing industry represents an ambitious expansion, it also signals a strategic alignment with the region’s evolving approach to alcohol production and consumption. Localising beer production could reduce import dependency and add a fresh layer of appeal for tourists seeking locally made beverages.
The project comes at a time when Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for tourism, entertainment, and lifestyle. The move follows plans made in April 2024 where US$34 million was pumped into opening the world’s biggest airport, also opening up job opportunities for drinks workers.
The addition of a major brewery is set to not only diversify the emirate’s offerings but also strengthen its credentials as a leading destination for unique experiences and innovation.
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