Abu Dhabi is set to witness a historic moment in its beverage industry with the opening of its first legal beer brewery, Craft by Side Hustle. This pioneering move marks a significant shift in the Gulf region’s approach to alcohol production and consumption. The brewery, which will serve beers brewed on-site, is an exciting addition to the emirate’s rapidly evolving social and cultural landscape.
Craft by Side Hustle is not just a brewery but a restaurant as well, offering Southern, Louisiana-style cuisine alongside its own crafted beers. The 250-seat establishment, located on Al Maryah Island, is part of The Galleria – a luxury complex featuring retail, dining, and entertainment options. Its proximity to high-end restaurants and five-star hotels like Four Seasons and Rosewood adds to its allure.
This landmark development follows a regulatory change in 2021, allowing license holders in Abu Dhabi to ferment alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption. This rule change is part of a broader movement across the UAE and the Gulf region to liberalize socially conservative laws, catering to a growing expatriate population and diversifying economies beyond oil.
Balmaghie Beverage Group and other investors, who have noticed a gap in the region’s beer market, are behind Craft by Side Hustle. Their vision was to create a brewery that not only serves the local community but also appeals to international tastes. The microbrewery’s CEO, Chad McGehee, moved to the UAE 14 years ago and co-founded Balmaghie in 2018. His passion for beer and spirits drove him to start this venture with the aim of offering better beverage options in the Gulf.
Craft by Side Hustle plans to produce a wide range of beers, including pale ales, Czech and German-style Pilsners, stouts, lagers, and hard seltzers. These flavors are designed to resonate with both expatriates and locals, blending traditional brewing techniques with modern tastes. The brewery aims to craft 75 different types of beer over the next year, though only a selection will be available at any given time.
The brewery’s location on Al Maryah Island positions it in the heart of Abu Dhabi, surrounded by natural beauty and modern architecture. With a brewing capacity of about 25,000 pints per month, the facility features state-of-the-art brewing equipment visible from the dining area, enhancing the customer experience.
Craft by Side Hustle’s opening is a significant milestone for the Gulf region, demonstrating a shift towards more liberal policies and acknowledging the diverse cultural makeup of the UAE. As the first of its kind in the area, it sets a precedent for future ventures and contributes to the UAE’s reputation as a progressive and dynamic society.
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