Saudi Arabia is easing one of its strictest social controls by allowing high-income non-Muslims to buy alcohol in designated stores, part of the kingdom’s broader push to open its economy and reshape long-standing religious restrictions.
People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Non-Muslim expatriates earning at least 50,000 riyals (about US$13,300) a month may soon be allowed to enter the store and purchase alcohol, provided they show proof of income. The Riyadh shop, currently the country’s only operating alcohol outlet, limits customers to a monthly quota under a points-based system.
Saudi authorities have not commented publicly on the new access rules or the construction of additional stores.
The easing on alcohol access comes after the government has begun building two alcohol shops in Jeddah and Dammam. The individuals asked not to be identified because the plans have not been made public.
At the same time, authorities appear to be widening eligibility for alcohol purchases. A store in Riyadh that opened last year exclusively for foreign diplomats is now allowing non-Muslim residents who hold a special permit under Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program, according to the news outlet Semafor. One premium residency holder confirmed to Bloomberg that they had recently bought alcohol at the Riyadh shop.
The move reflects accelerating social reforms under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and attract more foreign investment and tourism. In recent years, the kingdom has ended the ban on women driving, authorized public entertainment and concerts, and eased restrictions on gender-mixed venues.
Earlier this year, officials announced that wine, beer and cider could be served starting in 2026 at roughly 600 approved venues, including five-star hotels, resorts, embassies, expatriate residential zones and selected tourist sites. Spirits and alcoholic beverages above 20% ABV would remain prohibited.
Saudi Arabia, one of the region’s wealthiest countries with GDP per capita comparable to Japan and South Korea, has long maintained strict bans on alcohol for religious reasons. Even limited availability for non-Muslims remains highly sensitive. But officials see controlled access as key to improving the experience of foreign residents, business travelers and tourists, all considered crucial for the kingdom’s economic transformation.
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