Dubai is set to open its first major commercial brewery, joining Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah in establishing local beer production facilities. Sirocco, a joint venture between Dutch brewing giant Heineken and the Emirates Group-owned Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI), announced plans to build the brewery after securing all necessary permits from local authorities.
Construction
Construction will begin by the end of 2025, with operations expected to commence by late 2027. The project will be funded through local borrowing and cashflow generated by Sirocco, which has been operating as a Heineken joint venture for more than 20 years. The company currently supplies a range of popular international brands, including Singapore’s Tiger, Scotland’s Brewdog, Spain’s Estrella Damm, and the Netherlands' H41, across the Gulf region.
Sustainability and Employment Growth
The brewery will also have environmental advantages by reducing the carbon footprint associated with importing beer via sea freight. Sirocco plans to increase its workforce in Dubai from 65 to approximately 190 employees.
Brand Offerings and Product Advantages
The brewery will produce several well-known Heineken beer brands, including Heineken, Kingfisher, Amstel, and Birra Moretti, to cater to the growing demand from Dubai’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector.
Sirocco’s general manager, Georgios Polymenakos, emphasized the benefits of local production, stating, “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. For our tourism and hospitality customers, local production will provide greater flexibility to local market demands.”
Dubai, the most populous emirate of the UAE, welcomed 17 million tourists last year. With its vibrant social scene, iconic attractions, and loosened alcohol regulations, the city is poised to benefit from this local brewing initiative.
