Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, also famously known as Saudi Arabia is now slowly easing its longstanding ban on alcohol for non-Muslim foreign residents by allowing them to purchase alcohol in the Riyadh region. Yes, you read that right! But this relaxation of rules has some conditions that have to be fulfilled by the non-Muslim foreign residents in order to buy alcohol at dedicated stores. What are the conditions to be eligible to buy alcohol? Where can they purchase it? Here’s everything you must know.
According to the recent updates, non-Muslim residents can buy alcohol from a dedicated store in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. The access has been extended from diplomats to non-Muslims under the premium residency programs, or those earning a specific income. This adjustment is said to be made in alignment with Vision 2030 reforms. Under this, Saudi Arabia wishes to attract more tourists, investors, and expatriates while keeping the Islamic prohibitions in mind.
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The eligibility criteria for non-Muslim foreign residents include qualifying through Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program, offering long-term visas for entrepreneurs, high-skilled professionals, and investors. The other criterion is having a monthly income of at least 50,000 Saudi riyals, which is roughly $13,300 USD.
This threshold allows access to only affluent foreigners who will add to the country’s efforts to attract global talent. The buyers must prove their income by producing a salary certificate at the only dedicated liquor store.
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All the non-Muslim foreign residents who fulfil the given criteria and wish to buy alcohol must register themselves on a dedicated mobile application. This is similar to the diplomatic system. Here, they have to submit their income verification, residency proof, and also biometric data for approval. There are strict monthly quotas applicable, which restrict the purchase to 12-24 bottles to curb resale and excess.
There will also be security checks at the exit to avoid violation of the rules. If anyone is found violating the rules, they will be eligible for legal action as well as residency revocation. The alcohol type also has a limit; residents can purchase only wine, beer, and other select spirits.
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The sale of alcohol is restricted to a single dedicated outlet located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter. This store was launched approximately a year ago to cater to international staff and diplomats. There are no other public stores available to prevent the widespread accessibility of alcohol. However, plans are in place to expand to Dammam and Jeddah in 2026.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has reversed several of its previous restrictions, such as the ban on women driving and limitations on public entertainment. These changes have contributed to an increase in tourism.
With this new loosening of alcohol purchase rules, Saudi Arabia wishes to draw global talent and capital to, in turn, benefit its future economic transformation. The government is yet to announce the official date of implementation for this new rule.
