A Heineken joint venture plans to build the Gulf’s first major commercial brewery in Dubai, the metropolitan city where glamorous bars and restaurants attract millions of tourists each year.
Sirocco, a joint venture between Heineken and Dubai state-linked Maritime Mercantile International, said it would build a brewery that will produce popular beer brands in Dubai.
Although Dubai is a Muslim country, drinking alcohol is permitted in licensed bars, restaurants and hotels.
Construction on the new brewery will begin before the end of 2025 with the brewery expected to open by the end of 2027, Sirocco said.
It added that it has obtained all necessary licenses and permits.
Dubai is the most populous of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates.
Its hotels, beaches and attractions – such as the world’s largest tower, the Burj Khalifa – attracted some 17 million people last year, many from Europe, Russia and India.
In recent years, restrictions around purchasing alcohol in Dubai have loosened.
Abu Dhabi, the capital and largest emirate, has also eased regulations in recent years, with at least one bar offering locally brewed beer.
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