On September 11, 2001, the world was shaken on its axis in a manner that few westerners born in the last half century have ever witnessed. Since that date, ancient arguments have resurfaced, media focus has been on the east and even a new lexicon has arisen. Who honestly was as familiar with Taliban, Al-Qaida, WMDs or sleeper cells before then? So, how does Dubai – a country delicately balanced between east and west, Islamic but with many European values – cope with this situation? Well, by turning a profit actually. Its open-mindedness has resulted in Dubai being one of the safest and most stable countries in the world and key to this is the emirate’s readiness to live and let live in terms of religion and values.

A 30% ‘haraam’ – or ‘forbidden tax’ – is placed on all goods that are considered to be against the Muslim religion, such as pork and alcohol. That’s right – in Dubai, you can buy tolerance!

Bars and nightclubs selling booze to parched westerners are attached to almost all hotels and resorts, although service is limited to after 7pm during Ramadan. You can also crack open a beer in the comfort of your own home without fear of getting locked away in Dubai Prison – the only piece of real estate that developers are not falling over themselves to make bigger and more luxurious. However, selling or even offering a bevvy to a Muslim is a real no-no and could see you spend a month or so at his Sheikh’s pleasure; much the same is true of consuming it in public places.

If drinking in Dubai seems relatively straight-forward, then actually buying it in the first place is a tad less so. On arrival into Dubai, each person can pick up two litres of spirits and two litres of wine for supping throughout their stay but, as the Irish among you will be wondering, what are you meant to drink after lunch?

Thankfully, there is a solution: get yourself a Liquor Licence. As wonderful as they sound, you may be disappointed to learn that Liquor Licences are in place to stop those who shouldn’t drink from knocking them back, rather than intending to bring a degree of professionalism to the ‘sport’ and whittling down the numbers of amateurish alcopop drinkers who waste space at the bar. To get your hands on one, you must be 21 or older, non-Muslim, have a residency visa and earning a minimum monthly salary of 3,500AED (about €730).

If you satisfy those criteria then head down to a branch of African & Eastern Limited or Maritime and Mercantile International – the only two companies allowed to sell alcoholic beverages – and pick up an application form. Firstly, you’ll need to fill it out then get it stamped by your employer, before returning to one of the stores with your passport, residency visa, tenancy contract, copies of each and two passport photos. Hand it in at the store along with 105AED (€22) and you’re ready to go. Ten days later, once your application has been processed and approved by the police who also place a discretionary limit on your alcoholic purchases (around €100 and upwards), you’re ready to go.

These rules may seem a little stringent but, in reality, once you’ve filled in the forms and accustomed yourself to the lifestyle, they are actually very sociable and easily worked. And look at the rate of economic growth of Dubai – entire developments are finished under budget and ahead of deadline. Proof, if any were needed, that tighter alcohol laws increase productivity and that the boys responsible for the New Wembley Stadium may be enjoying a few too many liquid lunches.