The paradox of drinking in Dubai, and how the city’s cocktail culture just keeps getting better.

In Islam, the main religion of the city, consuming alcohol is prohibited.

But if drinking alcohol is illegal, how is this happening?

Aerial view of cityscape and skyscraper at sunset in Dubai Marina

Credit:Lu ShaoJi/Getty Images

There are loopholes that allow non-Muslim tourists and expats living in Dubai to drink in specific licensed locations.

After opening two successful cocktail bars in India, he knew that Dubai was the best next step.

There is a dense multicultural diaspora in Dubai and things that get started here go international.

Metro Train and Skyline of Dubai Financial Centre

Siegfried Layda/Getty Images

If you want things to happen, they will happen here.

Both the food and cocktail menus are very personal and flavor forward.

Everything here is glitz and glamour, distinctiveness, and exceptionality.

Bar seating at Jun’s

Courtesy of Jun’s

Cheung attributes the rise in distinctive and delectable cocktails to the ease and accessibility of fresh and exclusive ingredients.

We can get anything imported, he says.

Literally anything we want.

a line of cocktails from Jun’s

Courtesy of Jun’s

And its not crazy expensive.

The rate of consumption is so high that we can have premium products at a good price.

I am sampling their no waste dinner menu, part ofDubai Food Weekthat highlights this years theme: sustainability.

Interior of Ginger Moon

Courtesy of W Dubai

The beverage manager, Emanuel Ferraz, has designed a cocktail for each course, crafted from kitchen leftovers.

When [guests] arrive in the hotel they already expect to find something unique.