Taboo to brew: conservative Gulf gets first local beer

As they seek to overhaul their image and economies in preparation for a post-oil future, some Gulf petro-states are relaxing alcohol restrictions, with entrepreneurs such as McGehee looking to benefit from the changes.

A beer is served at Craft brewery in Abu Dhabi on May 7, 2024. - Inside his Abu Dhabi gastro pub, Chad McGehee inspects shiny steel tanks fermenting a special brew: the first beer made in the conservative Arab Gulf, where alcohol has long been taboo. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)