JAKARTA – In a discreet but significant policy evolution, Saudi Arabia has extended alcohol purchasing privileges beyond foreign diplomats to include select non-Muslim holders of premium residency permits, according to recent reports.

Quiet Expansion of Access

Non-Muslim expatriates with special residency status can now purchase alcoholic beverages from a retail outlet in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, which was previously exclusively reserved for foreign diplomatic personnel. The development, reported by US media outlet Semafor, represents a notable expansion that has not been officially announced by authorities.

Premium residency permit holders discovered the change through informal channels in recent days, with customers learning about the new access through word-of-mouth rather than public declaration.

Aligning with Tourism and Economic Goals

This development represents another phase in the kingdom’s gradual formalization of alcohol sales and consumption as part of broader economic transformation efforts. Saudi Arabia has set ambitious targets to welcome 150 million annual tourists by 2030, positioning tourism as a cornerstone of its economic diversification strategy.

The nation is channeling substantial investments into hospitality infrastructure and entertainment facilities, though it continues facing competitive challenges in attracting international visitors compared to neighboring Gulf countries.

Evolution of the Liquor Store System

The Riyadh liquor outlet was established last year specifically to serve foreign diplomatic missions. Prior to its opening, diplomats relied on imported shipments to maintain their personal alcohol supplies. The shop centralized distribution for this privileged group within the kingdom.

Premium Residency Program Details

Launched in 2019, Saudi Arabia’s premium residency initiative was designed to attract affluent foreign professionals and investors. The program’s eligibility criteria have since broadened, now welcoming expatriates earning above 80,000 riyals ($21,000) monthly or working in designated professional sectors.

Balancing Modernization with Tradition

According to Semafor’s analysis, the kingdom is “advancing gradually to expand alcohol availability,” attempting to navigate between projecting a more progressive international image and respecting Islamic prohibitions on alcohol consumption, particularly given its role as guardian of Islam’s two most sacred sites in Mecca and Medina.

The Reality on the Ground

For decades, many non-diplomatic expatriates have produced homemade beer, wine, and spirits, with enforcement typically remaining lenient provided such beverages weren’t commercially sold or served at large gatherings. Reports, including those from the New York Times, indicate that alcohol is also consumed privately in the residences of influential Saudi families, government officials, and business leaders.

Speculation about relaxed alcohol regulations has circulated for approximately five years. Many hospitality venues have already installed bar facilities that currently serve non-alcoholic cocktails and alcohol-free beer, suggesting preparation for potential future changes.

Strategic Approach to Reform

By granting purchase rights to a carefully defined group of non-Muslim expatriates, the government can demonstrate greater openness to foreign talent—essential for its economic transformation agenda—while maintaining strict oversight of alcohol distribution and sales.

Part of Broader Social Transformation

The mid-2010s witnessed extensive social reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, which removed restrictions on movie theaters, permitted women to drive, and eliminated various other longstanding prohibitions.

This transformation has included promoting leisure tourism alongside traditional religious pilgrimages, with the kingdom now regularly hosting major public events, international concerts, and entertainment spectacles.

Original Article:

The Arab News. (2025, November 23). Saudi Arabia quietly expands access to alcohol beyond diplomats. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newarab.com/news/saudi-arabia-quietly-expands-access-alcohol-beyond-diplomats%3famp