"There is no probs about Westeners drinking in designated...

"There is no probs about Westeners drinking in designated hotels, and apparently none for locals who wish to do so either, but consume alcohol out in the street & you're in trouble."

From what I hear there is also a lot of un "official" night life venues in Dubai - unmarked premises ie. from outside it looks like nothing no bouncers outside, signs, lights anything however step in through the door and it's like a pumping disco - of course if they get raided all hell breaks loose but I guess it is what you get in a city like Dubai with high net worth for many young expats. Maybe out on the streets or in the office it's all fitting under the laws that exist behind closed doors it's wild. FWIW I've seen photos from people driving extavagant sports cars around drinking alcohol I don't know how they don't get caught or even think of the consequence but maybe it's complacency after they get too comfortable.