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Saudi Arabia Quietly Expands Alcohol Access to High-Earning Non-Muslim Foreign Residents

Officials have not confirmed the change, with reports pointing to a tightly controlled pilot using salary checks, app entry plus monthly quotas.

Overview

  • Non-Muslim foreign residents earning at least 50,000 riyals per month can now buy alcohol at the lone Riyadh outlet after presenting a salary certificate, according to multiple reports.
  • Access is restricted through a registration app and purchases are capped by ID-linked monthly point allowances, customer accounts indicate.
  • The Riyadh store opened in 2024 for diplomats and later premium-residency holders, while Saudi citizens remain barred and lower-paid migrant workers do not qualify.
  • The government has offered no public confirmation or details, reflecting a low-profile, incremental approach aligned with Vision 2030 goals to attract skilled expatriates and investment.
  • Reuters and other outlets report plans for two additional non-Muslim-only stores in Jeddah and Dhahran, with timelines previously cited for 2026 yet still unannounced.