[aimhigh]

The 34-year-old accountant drank six beers and six vodkas in the emirate of Dubai

I thought alcohol was forbidden.

[USF]

As long as you drink in a hotel, club, bar etc, for western tourists, expats, etc, wher alcohol is served freely, both you, and the local muslims are OK, tho' I would not advise this in the emirate of Sharjah. Most "off the beaten track" places are more restricted, and muslim can be arrested for drinking.

Many of the locals drink in private, but not in public.