AN ALCOHOL-FREE Irish pub is to open its doors in the United Arab Emirates city of Abu Dhabi.
Irish pubs can be found in every corner of the world, from England to Lanzarote to Australia-- and they're usually renowned for their live music, good craic, and, of course, drink.
But a new Irish pub due to open in the UAE this summer is lacking in one of those things.
The Virgin Mary bar in Dublin is Ireland's first alcohol-free pub, and will soon open a second branch in Abu Dhabi as the popular bar goes global.
A spokesperson for the Virgin Mary bar announced the news in a statement on social media earlier this week, writing that they "couldn't be more excited".
The Virgin Mary alcohol-free pub in Dublin city (Image: Facebook)"Today’s the day we can finally announce that we’re opening our second TVM Bar this Summer in beautiful Abu Dhabi," they wrote.
"This is our first franchise partnership and we couldn’t be more excited to be bringing TVM to the global market."
They thanked all of their customers and supporters, writing that they "couldn't have done it" without them, and hinted that there would be more details in the coming weeks, urging their followers to stay tuned.
The reaction from The Virgin Mary patrons has been hugely positive, particularly those living and working in Abu Dhabi: Mohamed Atef Almelegey wrote "Congratulations! I will be the first customer to visit when it opens!"
The Virgin Mary bar will soon be opening a second branch in Abu Dhabi (Facebook)"Amazing news and so well deserved!" Louise-Anne O'Gormon wrote. "Congratulations and best wishes for a successful opening."
The sober bar-- or 'sobar'-- first opened its doors in Dublin city in May 2019 and is popular with non-drinkers, offering alcohol-free cocktails, beer and spirits.
You can follow updated from The Virgin Mary Bar on their Facebook page here.
