Saudi Arabia is making notable progress in broadening its non-religious tourism industry, with a significant advancement being the discreet increase of alcohol sales. Traditionally, the nation has upheld a stringent prohibition on alcohol for more than 70 years, with few exceptions. Nonetheless, recent alterations suggest a change in policy, especially for affluent expatriates.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia launched an alcohol retail outlet in Riyadh, initially available solely to foreign diplomats with strict buying restrictions. This access has now been broadened to non-Muslim foreigners possessing “premium residency” status. This designation is usually awarded to educated foreigners employed by major companies in the country, mandating that they have spent a minimum of 30 months in Saudi Arabia over the prior five years. Furthermore, the store is exclusively accessible to individuals earning at least 50,000 riyals monthly (roughly $13,300), with a salary certificate needed for registration.
Access to the store is managed through a booking system and a points-based approach that limits overall alcohol acquisitions. Even without an official declaration, reports indicate that additional stores are anticipated to launch in other key cities across Saudi Arabia.
The growth of alcohol sales to affluent foreigners signifies a noteworthy development, indicating a possible future easing of alcohol regulations. As Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance its tourism sector, lifting the alcohol prohibition might be a strategic strategy to draw in more international tourists. At present, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait remain the only nations in the region with a total ban on alcohol consumption for visitors.
In summary, Saudi Arabia is slowly augmenting alcohol sales, initially focusing on foreign diplomats and now affluent expatriates. This initiative implies a potential future easing of alcohol restrictions as part of the country’s wider tourism objectives. The timeline for a more comprehensive policy shift is unclear, but it is likely only a matter of time before alcohol sales extend further, particularly if Saudi Arabia is dedicated to advancing its tourism industry.