Saudi Arabia Allows High-Income Non-Muslim Expats Legal Alcohol Access for First Time

Saudi Arabia has quietly introduced one of its most significant social reforms yet by allowing non-Muslim foreign residents with a verified monthly income of at least 50,000 riyals—equivalent to approximately $13,300—to purchase alcohol legally within the kingdom for the first time in decades, multiple informed sources have confirmed.

Access is tightly restricted to the kingdom’s sole operational liquor store, located in a secure area of Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. Originally launched in late 2023 exclusively for accredited diplomats, the outlet has now extended eligibility to expatriates holding the premium residency visa. Every buyer must undergo rigorous verification, including submission of an official employer-issued salary certificate and proof of non-Muslim status before being granted entry.

All transactions are governed by a sophisticated monthly point-based quota system that assigns different values to various alcoholic products, effectively capping consumption and enabling close government monitoring. Sources indicate that two additional licensed liquor outlets are already under construction in other major Saudi cities, signaling a controlled but expanding retail network.

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This development forms part of the broader Vision 2030 transformation led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which seeks to diversify the economy and attract high-value global talent by gradually dismantling long-standing social restrictions. It follows landmark changes such as ending the ban on women driving, authorizing mixed-gender entertainment events, reopening cinemas, and launching a global tourism campaign.

Although no official announcement has been made and alcohol remains strictly prohibited for Saudi citizens, the carefully calibrated rollout demonstrates the leadership’s strategy of implementing bold modernization while minimizing domestic backlash and upholding the kingdom’s unique religious responsibilities as custodian of Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina.

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