Saudi Arabia has quietly introduced another step in its long-term reform plan by allowing a limited group of non-Muslim foreign residents to legally buy alcohol in the kingdom. The change, which occurred without public announcement, underscores the sensitive policy shifts under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to reshape the country’s social and economic landscape. Foreign residents told AFP that access has been widened just days after non-diplomats were first allowed to purchase alcohol inside the kingdom.
For more than 70 years, Saudi Arabia enforced a complete ban on alcohol outside diplomatic areas. Many expatriates resorted to black-market sources or homemade drinks, often at high risk. The new policy represents a controlled but historic change.
According to six foreign residents in Riyadh, non-Muslim expats who earn at least 50,000 Saudi riyals per month can now enter the country’s only licensed alcohol shop and buy drinks legally. This shop is located inside the diplomatic quarter and previously served only foreign diplomats.
Residents said the process is strict. They must provide residency documents, which staff verify through a Saudi government platform to confirm their salary and eligibility. Only after this digital check are they allowed to make purchases. This rule is part of a plan to make Saudi Arabia more attractive to skilled workers, investors, and international companies as the kingdom works to diversify its economy beyond oil.
One expatriate described his reaction to the news by saying, “We were surprised and didn’t believe it at the beginning.” He added that he only became convinced after friends sent him WhatsApp messages explaining the relaxed restrictions. Later, when he entered the store, his documents were checked and approved. “We entered the store after checking and succeeded in buying alcohol,” he said.
Another expatriate, a woman living in Riyadh, shared her reaction as well. She said, “People around us went crazy when they heard the news, as if they hadn’t tried alcohol before!”
The change began late last month when residents with premium visa status were given permission to buy alcohol for the first time. Before that, access was limited to foreign diplomats and their staff.
The premium residency program, launched in 2019, is available only to individuals who meet several conditions, including paying a one-time fee of 800,000 riyals. The visa offers long-term residency and is designed to attract high-income investors and skilled professionals.
A source familiar with the matter said more than 12,500 premium visa holders had already purchased alcohol since restrictions were first eased. The new expansion, which now includes high-earning non-Muslim residents who are not premium visa holders, significantly increases the number of eligible buyers. Although strict criteria remain in place, the shift signals a gradual opening that aligns with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan.
Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman became the de facto ruler, Saudi Arabia has witnessed major social changes. Cinemas have reopened, entertainment events have expanded, women have gained more freedoms, and new visa categories have made travel easier.
The goal of these reforms is to modernize Saudi Arabia’s image, attract tourists, and encourage international investment. However, alcohol has remained one of the most sensitive issues due to the country’s religious foundations and strong cultural values.
The kingdom is home to Islam’s two holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah. Because of this, Saudi leaders have historically taken a very cautious approach to any change involving alcohol.
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The national ban, which began in 1952, remains in effect, but controlled exceptions are being introduced to support economic development. Officials have not commented publicly on the latest policy, and government channels did not respond to AFP’s request for clarification.
Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia may open additional alcohol shops in two major cities by 2026, Jeddah and Dhahran. Dhahran is home to many foreign oil workers, and Jeddah is a commercial hub with a large expatriate community. A source with knowledge of the plans said shops are expected, but details have not been formally announced.
