Saudi Arabia eases alcohol restrictions for diplomats, premium visa-holders

Saudi Arabia has reportedly eased restrictions on alcohol sales for certain foreign residents, allowing non-Muslims with premium residency status to purchase booze at the country’s only liquor store, AFP reported on Monday.

The store, located in the capital’s diplomatic quarter, had previously been limited to diplomats. The report citied four sources, including two diplomats and two premium residency-holders, who confirmed the changes.

One premium visa-holder on condition of anonymity explained that he saw a fellow premium visa-holder purchase alcohol before successfully buying it himself. “It actually worked for me, it’s so easy,” he said.

A Western diplomat added that news of the policy change is spreading rapidly among expat communities. “Expats WhatsApp groups are being flooded with the news,” he said.

The store was reportedly crowded over the weekend, with customers reportedly leaving with dozens of bottles, according to one diplomat.

Saudi Arabia opened its first liquor store in January 2024 for foreign diplomats, without a public announcement. This recent easing appears to extend access to premium visa-holders, reflecting the kingdom’s broader reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aimed at diversifying the economy and attracting tourism.

Despite this change, the overall ban on alcohol remains in place, as it does in many Muslim-majority countries.