Archive · 9 Dec 2025
Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Restrictions for Wealthy Expats
Saudi Arabia has started allowing some wealthy foreign residents who are not Muslim to buy alcohol.
This is a big change because the country has had a strict ban on alcohol since 1952.
Now, non-Muslim expats who earn a lot of money can buy alcohol from a special shop in Riyadh.
The government hasn't officially said anything about this change, but it seems to be part of their plan to make the country more welcoming to foreigners.
People are excited about this new rule, and more shops might open in other cities soon.
However, some people are worried because alcohol is against Islamic teachings.
The government is trying to balance these concerns while making the country more open to international business and tourism.
Saudi Arabia has relaxed alcohol sales restrictions for non-Muslim expats earning at least 50,000 riyals monthly.
The only authorized liquor shop is located in Riyadh, with plans to open more in Jeddah and Dhahran by 2026.
This change follows the January 2024 opening of an alcohol shop for foreign diplomats and premium residency holders in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter.
Over 12,500 premium visa holders have purchased alcohol since the relaxation began.
The move is part of broader economic and social reforms aimed at attracting foreign workers, investors, and tourists.
- Who
- Non-Muslim expatriates in Saudi Arabia earning at least 50,000 riyals monthly
- What
- Relaxation of alcohol sales restrictions for wealthy expats
- When
- January 2024
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, specifically Riyadh, with plans for Jeddah and Dhahran
- Why
- To attract foreign workers, investors, and tourists as part of the kingdom's economic and social reforms
Religious Conservatives
Reform Supporters
Alcohol Consumption
Religious Conservatives
Alcohol consumption is against Islamic teachings and should remain banned.
Reform Supporters
Relaxing alcohol restrictions is necessary to attract foreign investment and tourism.
Social Impact
Religious Conservatives
Allowing alcohol could lead to social issues and moral decay.
Reform Supporters
Controlled alcohol sales can be managed without significant social problems.
- Minimum Monthly Income
- 50,000 riyals ($13,300)
- Location of Authorized Liquor Shop
- Riyadh
- First Legal Alcohol Shop Opening
- January 2024 (for diplomats and premium residency holders)
- Alcohol Ban Imposition
- 1952
- Premium Visa Holders Purchasing Alcohol
- More than 12,500
- Planned Alcohol Outlets
- Jeddah and Dhahran by 2026
- Average Worker's Monthly Income
- $2,750 (₹2.47 lakh)