Originally Posted by
GUWonder
A license seems to be legally required if buying alcohol from a retail store or wholesaler but is more ambiguous about buying it for on-site consumption at a venue with a drink service license.
So no license needed to drink, but maybe a license to buy.
Accepted practice at alcohol stores in Abu Dhabi now seems to be that if you pay cash you will not be asked for a licence.
To get firmly back on topic:
A friend of a friend walked into the Hilton in Abu Dhabi late at night with a "friend" on each arm. He was stopped by hotel security, "Sorry, sir, you are only allowed one guest in your room".