Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Restrictions for Non-Muslims

Saudi Arabia has historically enforced strict regulations on alcohol consumption, with severe penalties for violations. However, in a notable shift, the kingdom has begun to relax some of these restrictions, particularly in the capital city of Riyadh. As of 2024, alcohol sales have been permitted in a limited capacity, marking a significant change in policy.

The sale and consumption of alcohol were completely illegal in Saudi Arabia for nearly 70 years. Offenders could face heavy fines, imprisonment, flogging, or deportation. While the kingdom has made progress in areas such as women’s rights and entertainment, alcohol remained tightly restricted due to its prohibition under Islamic Sharia law, which categorically forbids intoxicants.

In this new phase, only non-Muslim diplomats and certain foreign residents can purchase alcohol from state-sanctioned stores. Access to these stores is tightly controlled. Customers are prohibited from bringing mobile phones or recording devices inside, and transactions are processed through a dedicated mobile app.

There are strict limits on the quantity of alcohol that can be purchased, and public liquor shops remain nonexistent in the country. Currently, Saudi Arabia does not issue licenses for private liquor stores. However, there are indications that licensing laws may be introduced by 2026, which could broaden the scope of legal alcohol sales.

Despite the restrictions, alcohol is available at approximately 600 tourist locations across Saudi Arabia, allowing visitors limited access to alcoholic beverages. Foreign tourists who are not Muslim can carry and consume alcohol in designated areas, but public consumption remains illegal.

The kingdom’s stringent stance on alcohol is reinforced by the presence of Mecca and Medina, two of Islam’s holiest cities, which further emphasizes the importance of adhering to Islamic laws. For Saudi citizens and Muslims, the consumption of alcohol continues to be regarded as a serious offense, reflecting the complexities of cultural and religious influences on policy in the nation.

While this limited easing of restrictions may signal a shift in attitudes, the deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs surrounding alcohol consumption remain firmly in place.