Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Restrictions for Non-Muslims
Saudi Arabia has started allowing some non-Muslim residents to buy alcohol from a special store in Riyadh.
This is a big change because the country has banned alcohol since the 1950s.
The store was first only for diplomats, but now it's also for non-Muslims who earn a lot of money and have special residency status.
The government is making these changes to attract more businesses and people to Saudi Arabia as part of their big plan called Vision 2030.
This plan includes making the country more open and improving the economy.
The government has also been making other changes, like letting women drive and work more.
They've had some success, like more women working and less unemployment.
Saudi Arabia has relaxed alcohol rules for non-Muslim residents with premium residency status.
The store in Riyadh, initially for diplomats, now serves non-Muslims earning at least 50,000 Saudi riyals monthly.
Alcohol has been banned since the 1950s due to religious reasons and a fatal incident involving a prince.
The change is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to attract foreign investment and talent.
Recent reforms include lifting bans on cinemas, women drivers, and changes to male guardianship.
- Who
- Non-Muslim residents with premium residency status and diplomats
- What
- Relaxation of alcohol restrictions in Saudi Arabia
- When
- Early 2024 (store opened last year, extended access recently)
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Why
- To attract foreign talent and investment as part of Vision 2030
- Ban Year
- 1950s
- Reason for Ban
- Religious and incident involving Prince Mishari
- Current Policy
- Alcohol allowed for non-Muslim premium residents and diplomats
- Income Requirement
- 50,000 Saudi riyals per month (Rs 11 lakh)
- Store Location
- Riyadh, near embassies
- Vision 2030
- Economic transformation plan
- Female Labour Force Participation
- 36.2% in Q3 2024
- Non-Oil Revenues
- $137.29 billion in 2024
- Unemployment Rate
- 7% in Q4 2024