Tourism chiefs in Abu Dhabi have cleared restaurants and bars in the UAE capital to continue selling alcohol during religious holidays.

The Department of Culture and Tourism has reportedly issued a circular to all establishments informing them that alcohol will be permitted in licensed areas during "all religious occasions".

Previously, restrictions prohibited the sale of alcohol in the afternoon preceding the religious day until the evening of the occasion itself.

According to a report in The National on Wednesday which cited the circular, entertainment activities and parties, with the exception of wedding and charity functions, will not be allowed on religious days.

Islamic holidays traditionally preceded by a dry night include Waqfat Arafa, Al Isra’a and M’raj, the Birth of the Prophet Mohammed and Islamic New Year.

It was reported earlier that alcohol sold in Abu Dhabi off-licence outlets will be subject to 30% taxation from June 15.

The charge will bring the emirate in line with Dubai where a 30% tax on alcohol sold in off-licence outlets is already in force.