Riyadh: In a move that marks one of the most notable policy shifts in recent years, Saudi Arabia has opened access to alcohol sales for non-Muslim foreign residents, signaling a further step in the kingdom’s ongoing modernization efforts.
The change, introduced quietly but quickly noticed by expatriate communities, allows eligible foreign residents to purchase alcohol from a licensed, controlled store operating under strict regulations. Access is limited to non-Muslim expatriates who meet specific residency and verification requirements, ensuring the policy remains tightly managed.
Authorities have not issued an official public announcement, but expatriates report that the new system operates through a secure verification process, including digital identity checks and controlled purchase limits. The move aligns with broader reforms under Vision 2030, which aims to attract global talent, expand tourism, and diversify the economy.
For decades, Saudi Arabia maintained one of the world’s strictest alcohol bans. The new policy, while limited, reflects a shift toward accommodating the lifestyle needs of a growing international workforce — without altering the kingdom’s cultural and religious framework.
Despite the relaxation, the policy does not apply to Saudi citizens or Muslim residents, and public consumption remains strictly prohibited. The government continues to highlight that the new access point is intended solely for regulated, private-use purposes within defined guidelines.
Analysts see the change as part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to enhance its global competitiveness, making life in the kingdom more adaptable for long-term expatriates while maintaining core cultural values.
