Booze and smoke are a big source of tax in most western countries so why not here? Start small with crew then slowly restrict passengers over time.
Just my gut feeling but I can't see them altering the allowance for passengers any time soon. The allowance is generous in global terms and ridiculously so in a regional context, when some GCC states prohibit any alcohol from being taken in.
The main reason I suspect is tourism. If you think the Russians on holiday in Sharjah are dry for their entire stay, then think again!
