What's happened
Saudi Arabia has relaxed alcohol sales for non-Muslim residents, expanding access beyond diplomats. Recent changes include allowing high-income expatriates to purchase alcohol at Riyadh's sole liquor store, as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's broader reforms to diversify the economy and attract foreign talent.
What's behind the headline?
The recent expansion of alcohol sales in Saudi Arabia signals a strategic shift in the kingdom's social and economic policies. By extending purchase rights to high-income expatriates and opening new outlets in Dhahran and Jeddah, the government aims to attract foreign talent and investment, aligning with its broader goal of economic diversification. This move also serves to soften the kingdom's image internationally, especially as it seeks to boost tourism and host global events like the 2034 World Cup. However, the restrictions remain tight for the general population, reflecting the delicate balance between modernization and religious conservatism. The continued expansion suggests that Saudi authorities see social liberalization as a necessary step to compete regionally and globally, but it will likely be carefully managed to avoid provoking domestic backlash or undermining Islamic principles.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that restrictions on alcohol sales have been further relaxed, with non-Muslim residents earning at least 50,000 riyals now able to purchase alcohol at Riyadh's sole liquor store. This follows earlier reforms allowing premium visa-holders to buy alcohol, marking a significant shift in social policy. France 24 highlights the planned opening of additional stores in Dhahran and Jeddah in 2026, aimed at non-Muslim diplomats and residents, as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's broader efforts to open up the kingdom. Both sources emphasize that these developments are part of a wider strategy to attract international talent and tourism, while maintaining strict controls over alcohol for the general population. The New Arab notes that the move is a step towards formalizing alcohol sales, which previously relied on diplomatic mail, black markets, or home brewing, and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reforms to modernize society and diversify the economy.
How we got here
Saudi Arabia's longstanding ban on alcohol, in place since 1952, has been gradually eased under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reforms. The kingdom aims to diversify its economy, attract tourism, and modernize social policies, including allowing alcohol sales in select outlets for diplomats and high-income expatriates, while maintaining restrictions for the general population.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
-
Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, colloquially known as MBS, is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He is currently serving as the country's deputy prime minister and is also Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs, Chairman of
-
Saudi Aramco, officially the Saudi Arabian Oil Company, is a Saudi Arabian multinational petroleum and natural gas company based in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
It is one of the largest companies in the world by revenue.
-
Riyadh is the capital city and seat of government of the Riyadh Province and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the largest city on the Arabian Peninsula and the capital governorate of the Riyadh Province.