Saudi Arabia Quietly Eases Alcohol Access for Premium Visa Holders and Diplomats

AFP news agency interviewed four individuals who confirmed policy changes regarding alcohol access in Saudi Arabia (Representational)

Diplomatic personnel and premium visa-holders in Saudi Arabia have informed AFP that the conservative kingdom has quietly relaxed restrictions on alcohol purchases for certain foreign residents.

While no official government announcements have been made regarding alcohol sales recently, sources indicate that non-Muslim individuals possessing premium resident status can now purchase alcoholic beverages at the only alcohol shop in Riyadh, which was previously accessible exclusively to diplomats.

AFP conducted interviews with four individuals who confirmed the policy change, including two diplomatic sources and two residents holding premium visa status.

"I learned about this from friends who tested it. I visited the store two days ago and indeed it worked," one premium visa-holder told AFP, speaking anonymously.

"This has saved me significant money compared to black market purchases. The prices are reasonable, and we can finally legally purchase alcohol."

Saudi authorities did not respond to AFP's request for comment on these reports prior to publication.

Established in 2019, premium resident status in Saudi Arabia is available to select foreigners who meet various criteria, including making a one-time payment of 800,000 riyals (approximately $213,000).

This visa allows individuals to live, work, and invest freely in Saudi Arabia without requiring a local "sponsor" – a guarantor typically required for other non-nationals residing in the kingdom.

A premium residency-holder informed AFP that he witnessed another person with the same status purchasing alcohol before making his own purchases.

"The process worked smoothly for me, it's quite straightforward," he stated.

- 'Walking out with 30 bottles' -

An AFP correspondent observed the gated entrance to the shop on Monday, which was under security guard, noting cars entering at regular intervals.

A Western diplomat told AFP that his acquaintances with premium residency had successfully purchased alcohol in recent days.

"Expatriate WhatsApp groups are overflowing with this news," he added.

A diplomat reported to AFP that "the alcohol store was extremely busy" on Saturday, when she observed "people exiting with 30 bottles."

This apparent relaxation of liquor regulations comes nearly two years after the kingdom inaugurated its first and only liquor store in January 2024 in the capital's diplomatic quarter, initially serving exclusively non-Muslim foreign envoys.

No official announcement accompanied that opening, with two sources confirming the information to AFP at that time.

Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's rise to power as de facto ruler, Saudi Arabia has undergone consistent changes aligned with its economic diversification plan aimed at attracting tourists and international business.

Women are now permitted to drive, foreign tourists are welcomed, and cinemas have reopened across the country.

Alcohol, however, remains a sensitive issue in the kingdom – the birthplace of Islam and home to two of its holiest cities.

Alcohol has been prohibited in Saudi Arabia since 1952, following an incident where the son of then-King Abdulaziz became intoxicated and fatally shot a British diplomat in a fit of rage.

The alcohol ban remains officially in place, a restriction not uncommon in Muslim countries where alcohol consumption is often limited.