Saudi Arabia Partially Unbans Alcohol For Rich Expats

Intro

This is quite interesting, and as someone who has friends affected by this in Saudi Arabia, I wanted to provide my take. At the end of the day, countries can do as they please, and honestly, I am not against this...

The Details

For the history of time, Saudi Arabia has formally banned the sale of alcohol (plenty of stuff on the black market) aside from one store in Riyadh that opened in 2024 for foreign diplomats. Interestingly, there are special shops all around the world where diplomats can shop at, even in North Korea (a friend went there and told me, and they have imported US candy and stuff (fascinating).

Anyways, fast forward to a few days ago, where this shop is now being expanded to those who meet certain criteria. Those who now fall under these conditions can now purchase alcohol:

• Those who are non-muslim foreign residents with premium residency

• Those who earn more than 50,000 Saudi Riyals per month (13,300 USD)

• If you meet this criterion, you must bring proof of salary to enter the doors

• You must make an appointment online, and there is a points system with how much alcohol one can purchase

I cannot begin to imagine the prices here. Black market Blue Label is north of 200 USD per bottle

While there is currently only in Riyadh, more stores are expected to open across the country soon.

My Thoughts

There has been constant outrage online with tourists and expats complaining about how Saudi Arabia bans alcohol, and honestly, I have no issue with it whatsoever. All citizens of Saudi Arabia must be Muslim, and with this, alcohol is banned.

So when it comes to these stores, I think going even further to say that alcohol should only be consumed at home would be even better (the current law is no public places, but not neccesarily home). It's flat-out disrespectful to be consuming alcohol and acting intoxicated in front of a country that is wholly Muslim. If you don't like it, then don't visit/work in Saudi Arabia...

Now for the minimum salary: I think there are two different reasons here, and I am not going to endorse it, just share why I think Saudi Arabia is doing this:

1. They do NOT want the alcohol being bought here to be resold, and frankly, if you are making more than 13,000 USD per month, there is no need to resell it...

2. Look, I make nowhere near close to 13K per month (less than 1/3rd ha), but I will say that in general, according to empirical research, those who are of the "upper class" commit fewer public order offenses and have better healthcare, leading to fewer alcohol issues. There is no evidence that "upperclassmen" drink less.

Do I agree with it? Not on a personal level, but I completely understand why they are doing it. Imagine the next Magaluf in Saudi Arabia (yes, an exaggeration)... Imagine...

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia is slightly easing restrictions on alcohol, with expats now being able to purchase alcohol if they earn more than 13,300 USD per month. A lot of people are taken aback by this, but I understand where Saudi Arabia is coming from. The main aspect that they are looking at is that they don't want drunk people walking around the streets, or having alcohol end up in the locals' hands (which already happens, btw, in a small minority).