Saudi Arabia has commenced the sale of alcohol to non-Muslim foreign residents, imposing a rigorous income-based eligibility criterion linked to its premium residency scheme.
The move represents a cautious relaxation of the Saudi Arabia’s historically rigid prohibition on alcohol, a stance deeply rooted in Islamic principles.
The Sharia law, which guides the nation, have traditionally mandated such restrictions. While recent years have seen reversals of various social prohibitions, the alcohol ban had remained largely intact.
Eligibility for purchase is confined to a select group. According to sources familiar with the policy who spoke to local media, only non-Muslim foreign residents earning a monthly salary exceeding 50,000 riyals or approximately $13,300 qualify.
This threshold starkly contrasts with the national average monthly wage of 10,250 riyals or $2,750, as reported by a Saudi legal firm.
Prospective buyers must present a salary certificate verifying their income to gain entry to the sole dedicated liquor outlet, situated in the diplomatic quarter of the capital, Riyadh.
The store, which opened last year initially serving only foreign diplomats, has now extended access to this narrow subset of premium residency holders.
The Premium Residency programme, often termed the Saudi Green Card, targets foreign skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, talents, and investors who have resided in Saudi Arabia for a minimum of 30 months within a five-year period.
Operational protocols remain tightly controlled. Sources indicated that a point-based system, which establishes a monthly purchasing allowance, regulates transactions.
This follows a previous model where registered users secured time slots and received clearance codes via a dedicated mobile application.
This calibrated reform aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at diversifying the economy and transforming Riyadh into a global hub for business and investment.
The policy is viewed as part of concerted efforts to attract and accommodate a larger expatriate population, thereby enhancing the nation’s international competitiveness.
