Saudi Arabia Introduces Liquor Store for Foreign Expats as Part of Alcohol Policy Shift

Published on December 10, 2025

Saudi Arabia has quietly taken its most significant step in decades toward relaxing its strict alcohol prohibition. In a move that aligns with the country’s ambition to attract global talent and tourism, the government has opened access to a dedicated liquor store in Riyadh for a select group of wealthy foreign expats. This development marks a subtle yet impactful shift in the kingdom’s long-standing policies, expanding access to alcohol to a small but influential group of non-Muslim foreigners.

For over 70 years, Saudi Arabia maintained a complete ban on alcohol, with a very limited exception for accredited foreign diplomats. However, in 2024, the government opened a specialized alcohol store in Riyadh, initially for diplomats only. Recent reports from Bloomberg reveal that access has now been extended to foreign nationals holding Saudi Arabia’s “premium residency”, a highly selective visa category available to senior executives, multinational employees, and skilled professionals.

Premium Residency and Alcohol Access

The premium residency, a status granted to highly skilled expatriates in Saudi Arabia, provides access to the exclusive alcohol store, but with strict conditions. To qualify for access, expats must meet several criteria: they must have lived in the kingdom for at least 30 of the last 60 months, earn a minimum monthly salary of 50,000 riyals (approximately $13,300 or £10,500), and must submit salary documentation and register in advance.

Even with access granted, purchases are subject to a points-based quota system that tracks how much alcohol an individual can buy, ensuring a highly controlled and regulated process. While this change affects only a small segment of the expatriate population, it signals a gradual shift in the country’s traditionally conservative stance on alcohol.

A Quiet Policy Shift for Saudi Arabia

Although Saudi authorities have not made any official public announcement about this policy change, the quiet rollout suggests a deliberate and gradual approach to loosening the alcohol restrictions. Initially, alcohol was allowed solely for accredited diplomats, but now, a carefully curated segment of high-earning expatriates has been given access to the store, signaling a softening of one of the most tightly enforced policies in Saudi Arabia.

This new initiative also seems to be a strategic move as Saudi Arabia works to implement its Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the economy, attract international investment, and increase tourism. As the country seeks to position itself as a global destination for tourism and business, the question of alcohol access has long been a topic of discussion, especially in comparison to neighboring destinations like Dubai, which has seen a boom in tourism following its relaxation of alcohol regulations.

Long-Term Impact and Global Competition

The introduction of alcohol to a small but growing segment of the population may be just the beginning of a gradual shift in Saudi Arabia’s alcohol policies. The country remains one of the few in the Gulf region, along with Kuwait, that maintains a total ban on alcohol. The move to allow alcohol for wealthy expatriates is a carefully controlled experiment, likely designed to gauge the public response and determine whether such a policy could be expanded further in the future.

In terms of tourism, Saudi Arabia has faced competition from Dubai and other regional hubs, which are seen as more liberal in their approach to alcohol and leisure activities. As Saudi Arabia ramps up its tourism industry through projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea resorts, loosening restrictions on alcohol for selected expatriates could improve its competitive position in attracting high-skilled professionals and international tourists, particularly those from Western countries who have long viewed the country’s alcohol policies as a limitation.

The Role of Alcohol in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism and Economic Future

As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia is focused on improving its tourism offerings, with the ultimate goal of welcoming millions of international visitors annually. The relaxing of alcohol restrictions for foreign nationals signals an increasing willingness to adapt its social policies to meet the expectations of international visitors while maintaining local customs.

Moreover, as the country prepares to host international events such as the World Expo and grow its cultural tourism sector, the inclusion of alcohol in controlled environments may help balance Saudi Arabia’s cultural values with the needs and expectations of global travelers. While alcohol remains highly restricted, the premium residency model presents a pathway to integrate alcohol consumption into a strictly regulated framework.

Conclusion: A Step Toward More Open Policies

Saudi Arabia’s decision to ease its alcohol restrictions for wealthy expatriates marks a notable change in the kingdom’s approach to tourism, investment, and social policies. While still highly regulated, the move signals the country’s efforts to enhance its appeal as a global business and tourism hub. As the alcohol access policy evolves and more international visitors are welcomed, it will be interesting to see how this initiative shapes the future of tourism and expatriate life in Saudi Arabia.