Heineken’s joint venture to build Dubai’s first major commercial brewery
UAE – Heineken’s joint venture with Maritime and Mercantile International, Sirocco, has announced plans to establish Dubai’s first large-scale commercial brewery.
The brewery, set to be the largest in the Gulf region, will produce globally recognized beer brands, including Heineken, Kingfisher, Amstel, and Birra Moretti.
This move is a milestone for a region with traditionally strict regulations on alcohol sales and consumption.
Sirocco has confirmed that all necessary permits have been secured, with construction scheduled to begin in late 2025 and completion expected by 2027.
Sirocco emphasized the project’s significance, saying, “This investment marks a new phase in Sirocco’s journey of over twenty years, during which it has become the leading beer supplier in the UAE, catering to the flourishing tourism and hospitality sectors.
It will also support Dubai’s vision to become a top three global city to live, work and invest in by 2033 as part of its D33 strategy.”
Georgios Polymenakos, general manager of Sirocco, highlighted the role of tourism in driving the venture. “Dubai now welcomes more than 17 million international visitors each year – more than three times greater than when Sirocco first entered the market.
The move to local production will ensure Sirocco’s ability to meet growing tourism demand and provide a fresher beer experience with the same international standards.”
Polymenakos also noted that local production would enhance flexibility in responding to market needs while reducing the environmental impact.
“The brewery will be designed with sustainability at its core, and we will achieve a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of our operations due to a major reduction in sea freight.”
Dubai has gradually eased restrictions on alcohol consumption over the past two decades to support its growing tourism industry.
In 2023, the city attracted 17 million visitors, drawn by its luxury hotels, beaches, and landmarks like the Burj Khalifa.
Recent measures, including the removal of a 30 percent alcohol sales tax and liquor license fees, have made it easier for residents to purchase alcohol, although sales to Muslims remain restricted.
The planned brewery follows Abu Dhabi’s 2023 initiative, where microbrewery Side Hustle Brews received a license to sell beer brewed on-site, reflecting the region’s evolving approach to alcohol-related businesses.
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