Side Hustle Brews makes history as first brewery to legally operate in Abu Dhabi

UAE – In a historic development, Abu Dhabi is set to welcome its first legally operating beer brewery this month, marking a significant shift in the region’s alcohol production landscape.

Craft by Side Hustle Brews, a microbrewery and gastropub, has been granted a license by the emirate to produce and sell on-site brewed beer, becoming the pioneering entity legally authorized for alcohol production in the area. 

Previously, Side Hustle Brews had been selling its imported beer and spirits through various liquor stores in the United Arab Emirates.  

However, the newly obtained license allows the company to brew beer directly on-site, offering a unique and authentic experience to patrons. While packaged products will still be manufactured abroad due to current regulations, the microbrewery aims to create a distinctive atmosphere for beer enthusiasts. 

Located in The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, Craft will serve as a hub for craft alcohol aficionados, providing on-site brewed hops, grains, and cocktails by Side Hustle, the UAE’s first craft alcohol brand.  

The gastropub will also offer southern smokehouse and pub cuisine, creating a comprehensive experience for visitors. 

Abu Dhabi revised its alcohol licensing rules in 2021, allowing license holders to produce beverages on-site for consumption within licensed venues.  

Craft’s opening aligns with this regulatory change and reflects a growing acceptance of the craft alcohol movement in the region. 

The microbrewery boasts a production capacity of approximately 25,000 pints of beer per month, with a brewing time of around three weeks for most beers. While certain ingredients, such as hops, will be imported initially, the establishment signals a commitment to local craft brewing. 

Chad McGehee, the founder and CEO of Side Hustle Brews & Spirits, expressed excitement about the milestone, stating, “As founders of the local craft movement, we acknowledge the responsibility presented to us and are both humbled and thrilled to open Abu Dhabi’s first craft microbrewery.” 

With a history of successful beer-making facilities and distilleries in the United States, Side Hustle Brews aims to deliver innovative and authentic food and beverage experiences, aligning with the high standards of the UAE.  

According to the company, the Craft brand is poised to become a community-driven brand that resonates with pride among residents and visitors alike. 

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