Saudi Arabia Further Relaxes Alcohol Purchase Rules for Non-Muslim Expatriates

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has further eased restrictions on the sale of alcohol to non-Muslim foreign residents, marking another step in the kingdom’s ongoing social and economic reforms.

The development comes just days after non-diplomat expatriates were allowed for the first time to purchase alcohol legally in Riyadh.

According to AFP, non-Muslim foreign residents earning at least **50,000 Saudi riyals per month** are now permitted to buy alcoholic beverages from the country’s only licensed liquor store located in the capital. Previously, only premium residency (Golden Visa) holders were eligible to make purchases from this store, offering the first legal access to alcohol for non-diplomatic foreigners.

Local sources report that under the new system, buyers must provide their *Iqama* (residency) details to store staff, who then verify their salary through Saudi electronic systems before approving the purchase.

Saudi Arabia’s premium residency program, launched in 2019, requires foreign applicants to meet multiple conditions, including a one-time payment of approximately 800,000 riyals.

Despite longstanding restrictions, some residents have reportedly relied on homemade liquor or the black market at high prices for years.

The relaxation forms part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s **Vision 2030**, aimed at economic diversification, boosting tourism, and attracting global investment—initiatives that continue to reshape social norms across the kingdom.