Alcohol in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to its only official alcohol outlet in Riyadh, allowing non-Muslim expats with premium residency status to purchase beverages that were previously reserved exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats. This is a major change after a 73-year ban on alcohol.

The measure, which was introduced without official announcement, points to a cautious trial as the kingdom prepares for Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, although officials deny that this is part of a broader policy change.

An inconspicuous shop for diplomats and expats

An inconspicuous shop in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh opened in January 2024 and catered exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats. Since then, access has been extended to non-Muslim expats with a verifiable monthly income of at least SAR 50,000 (€11,300) or a premium residency status costing SAR 100,000.

Expats make up approximately 44% of the population, or around 15.7 million people, according to the official statistics agency General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Together with growing tourist flows, this demographic offers a lucrative consumer base that has access to alcohol in competitive destinations within the Middle East.

Security remains tight, with identity checks, purchase quotas, and a ban on cell phones in the store. Prices are in line with those in Europe, and the selection of wine, beer, and spirits is limited.

Tourists do not yet have access to this store, but many hotels do offer non-alcoholic beers, wines, and delicious mocktails.

Join us on the most beautiful detox journey through Saudi Arabia!

Vision 2030 and tourism

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's two holiest sites, banned the sale of alcohol in 1952. But as part of a broader effort to reform its image, the kingdom has implemented sweeping social and economic reforms in recent years, presenting itself as a more moderate and investment-friendly society.

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, the kingdom has reopened cinemas and organized major music festivals such as Soundstorm, lifted the ban on women driving, and banned the feared religious police.

Saudi Arabia welcomed 116 million tourists in 2024, including 29.7 million international visitors, an increase of 8% year-on-year, according to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Total spending reached US$73.3 billion. Having exceeded its original target of 100 million visitors six years ahead of schedule, Saudi Arabia is now aiming for 150 million annual visitors by 2030.

Alcohol for tourists

According to media reports, authorities in Saudi Arabia plan to open two more alcohol outlets: one in Jeddah on the Red Sea coast and another in Dhahran, a city in the far east of the country where the state oil company Saudi Aramco is based.

Although details remain limited, both stores are expected to apply the same rules regarding who is allowed to purchase alcohol: only non-Muslim diplomats and wealthy non-Muslim expats.

However, the country's hospitality sector is already preparing for further relaxations and, in particular, for the possibility that tourists will be able to purchase alcohol in the future. Several hotel chains have started hiring bartenders in anticipation of such a change.

Sources within the hospitality industry say that tourist attractions such as the islands in the Red Sea and AlUla, the historic city in the northwest of the kingdom, could be among the first places where alcohol is permitted if restrictions are further relaxed.

Competition

While Dubai offers a liberal social climate, extensive nightlife, and easy access to alcohol, both countries are engaged in a fierce battle to diversify their economies and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

Analysts say it is unlikely that the Saudis will follow Dubai's model. Instead, they expect a more restrictive approach, similar to that of Qatar, where alcohol is only permitted in designated hotels, at events, and during special occasions.

The most beautiful detox journey

If you really can't do without your drink, then you'll just have to be patient for a little while longer. For travelers who can, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful detox trip where you'll get to know what is perhaps the most beautiful and hospitable country in the Middle East.

Did you know: the better hotels already serve the most delicious mocktails!

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