Saudi Arabia Extends Alcohol Access to High-Earning Non-Muslim Residents as Part of Economic Transformation

Saudi Arabia considers attracting foreign expertise and investment as essential to its economic diversification strategy.

Saudi Arabia has further relaxed its alcohol regulations by extending purchase privileges to non-Muslim expatriate residents who earn monthly salaries of 50,000 riyals ($13,300) or more, according to sources familiar with the development.

To access the country's sole liquor store in Riyadh, qualifying residents must present salary documentation as proof of income, according to individuals who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information. The establishment, which initially served only foreign diplomats when it opened last year, has recently broadened access to include non-Muslims holding premium residency status.

These policy adjustments have not been formally announced, and government representatives did not immediately respond when approached for comment on Monday.

Patrons of the Riyadh establishment can make purchases through a monthly allowance system based on points, the sources revealed. Additionally, Bloomberg has previously reported that new liquor outlets are under construction in two other Saudi cities.

This gradual relaxation of alcohol restrictions aligns with broader initiatives to ease social limitations and enhance Riyadh's competitiveness as a business and investment destination. Saudi leadership views the attraction of international talent and capital as fundamental to the nation's economic transformation agenda.

In recent years, the kingdom has implemented significant social reforms, including lifting the prohibition on women drivers, permitting public entertainment events, music performances, gender integration, and promoting tourism. The measured pace of these changes underscores the delicate balance required when modernizing Saudi Arabia, which remains the birthplace of Islam and custodian of the religion's two most sacred sites.