After a time of change brought upon by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia will allow, for the first time in history, all non-Muslim expats to buy alcoholic beverages legally within its borders, but with a very limited scope and under strict eligibility and approval processes that make it virtually impossible for abuse. The primary intent of this legislation is to meet the goals of Vision 2030 and promote global talent attraction and development, while maintaining and respecting the religious values of the Kingdom. 

This guide will detail all of the information you need to understand the eligibility requirements, how to obtain permission to purchase alcohol, and any restrictions related to purchasing alcohol as a non-Muslim expat living in Saudi Arabia.

Why Is Saudi Arabia Allowing Alcohol for Certain Residents?

Over the last several years, Saudi Arabia has undergone a transformation of their social and economic reality. Allowing females to operate a motor vehicle, allowing for recreational zones, and creating an environment for international activities all represent changes to the nation.

The allowance of limited access to alcoholic beverages is also part of the transformation but is being introduced gradually and cautiously by the Saudi government. The goal is simple:

• Make the country more attractive to investors, skilled workers, and long-term expats.
  
  
• Without compromising cultural and religious values.

This new alcohol policy is designed for a very narrow group, not the general public.

Who Is Allowed to Buy Alcohol in Saudi Arabia?

Only two groups qualify:

1. Premium Residency Holders

These are people with Saudi Arabia’s long-term, high-status “Golden Visa”–type residency. They’re usually:

• Entrepreneurs
  
  
• Investors
  
  
• Senior professionals
  
  
• Highly skilled expatriates
  

If they’re non-Muslim, they’re eligible.

2. High-Income Non-Muslim Residents

If you’re not a premium resident, you can still qualify - but only if you earn at least:

Minimum Salary: 50,000 SAR per month

(Approximately $13,300 USD)

This is intentionally high to ensure that only affluent, well-documented residents have access.

Proof Required

At the store entrance, buyers must show:

• Salary certificate
  
  
• Residency ID
  
  
• App approval (more on this next)
  

Only after verification are they allowed inside.

How Does the Purchase System Work?

Think of it as a fully supervised, appointment-style purchase rather than a casual shopping trip.

Step 1 - Register on the Official Alcohol Purchase App

This app is mandatory. On it, buyers must upload:

• Income proof
  
  
• Residency documents
  
  
• Biometric details
  

Once everything is verified, the system assigns the user a monthly purchasing quota.

Step 2 - Check Your Monthly Quota

You can’t walk in and buy as much as you want. Each account has a strict monthly limit.

Step 3 - Visit the Store (With Approval)

• The system schedules or approves store access.
  
  
• You must show clearance at the gate.
  
  
• Security guards monitor every entry and exit.

Step 4 - Exit Screening

Before leaving, bags and receipts are checked to prevent resale or misuse.

This entire system is designed to stop:

• Uncontrolled access
  
  
• Black-market resale
  
  
• Excess consumption
  
  
• Anyone outside the approved list gaining entry

Where Can You Buy Alcohol in Saudi Arabia?

As of now, there is only one location:

Riyadh - Diplomatic Quarter (DQ)

This store originally served diplomats but now extends access to eligible non-Muslim residents.

Future Expansion

Saudi authorities are planning additional controlled stores in:

• Jeddah
  
  
• Dammam / Dhahran (Aramco region)
  

Expected rollout: 2026

These will also be tightly restricted, likely inside diplomatic/expat zones.

What Can You Buy?

The selection is intentionally limited. The goal is access, not open commercial alcohol trade.

Allowed categories include:

• Wine
  
  
• Beer
  
  
• Certain spirits (only selected varieties)
  

Don’t expect supermarket-style variety or premium, free-flowing stock. Inventory will likely rotate based on import controls and monitoring.

How Much Can You Buy? (Strict Monthly Limits)

Every eligible buyer gets a hard monthly quota, typically:

12 to 24 bottles per month

The exact allocation depends on residency status and app approval.

This quota is designed to:

• Prevent hoarding
  
  
• Stop resale
  
  
• Keep consumption regulated
  

Exceeding your limit is impossible because the app and store system are fully synced.

What Happens If Someone Breaks the Rules?

Saudi Arabia has zero tolerance for alcohol misuse or unapproved possession. Penalties for breaking the rules can include:

• Legal action
  
  
• Fines
  
  
• Permanent residency cancellation
  
  
• Deportation

Even a minor attempt to bypass quotas or help someone else gain access can lead to consequences.

How Does This Compare to Other Gulf Countries?

Saudi Arabia’s approach is still the strictest in the Gulf. For example:

• UAE allows licensed alcohol purchases and bar consumption for non-Muslims.
  
  
• Qatar sells alcohol in controlled outlets and licensed hotels.
  
  
• Bahrain has hotels and public venues serving alcohol.
  

Saudi Arabia, however, is maintaining a highly restricted, documentation-heavy, no-public-consumption model.

This ensures modernization without cultural conflict.

How Does This Impact Expats and Talent Attraction?

Positive Impact

• Makes long-term stay more appealing to Western professionals
  
  
• Supports global companies bringing senior staff
  
  
• Boosts tourism competitiveness
  
  
• Eases international lifestyle adjustments
  

Still Controlled

• No bars
  
  
• No restaurants serving alcohol
  
  
• No hotel alcohol service (yet)
  
  
• No public drinking
  

Saudi Arabia is opening the door, not swinging it wide.

Summary Table - Rules at a Glance

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia's new law regarding alcohol is one of the most transformative but still somewhat conservative social changes to take place there in many years. However, it does not represent a complete overhaul of how alcohol is treated across the Kingdom; it simply opens up limited access to certain non-Muslims living in the country who are able to meet specific residency and income regulations.

As this change aligns with the Kingdom's ongoing modernization efforts, it also respects the traditional values of the Kingdom. For those expatriates who qualify under the rules, this will provide a means of legally obtaining alcohol through a well-regulated, dependable source; and as long as all of the stated guidelines are adhered to without exception, then reaching this goal should be accomplished.

Read also: Diageo Introduces AI-Crafted Johnnie Walker ‘1 of 1’ Bottles Exclusively for Dubai Duty Free

FAQs

1. Can Saudi citizens buy alcohol under this new rule?

No. The law applies ONLY to non-Muslim foreign residents who meet eligibility conditions.

2. Is alcohol available in restaurants or hotels now?

No. Alcohol is not served publicly anywhere in the kingdom.

3. Do all non-Muslim expats qualify automatically?

No. Only those with premium residency or those earning at least 50,000 SAR monthly.

4. Can someone exceed their monthly quota?

No. The app-controlled system locks purchases once you reach your limit.

5. Can tourists buy alcohol?

No. This rule does not apply to tourists or short-term visitors.

6. What happens if someone tries to resell alcohol?

Reselling is a serious offense that can lead to deportation and legal charges.

7. Will more alcohol stores open in future?

Authorities have plans for controlled expansion to Jeddah and Dammam in 2026.