Saudi Arabia has further relaxed rules on Alcohol Sales, marking a significant cultural shift in the traditionally conservative kingdom. The new regulations allow foreign residents to legally purchase and consume alcohol under specific conditions.
Previously, alcohol was strictly prohibited for all residents outside diplomatic circles. Some expatriates resorted to homemade wine or the black market, where a single bottle of whisky could cost hundreds of dollars. The recent changes signal a move toward normalizing alcohol consumption for eligible foreigners.
Under the new rules, non-Muslim foreign residents earning at least 50,000 riyals (approximately 3.7 million PKR) per month can buy alcohol at the country’s only licensed store. Residents must present documents for verification, and store staff check their income through an official Saudi platform before completing the sale.
This system was first introduced in 2019 under the kingdom’s exclusive premium residency program. The program requires applicants to meet strict eligibility criteria and pay a one-time fee of 800,000 riyals (around 59 million PKR). Only a limited number of residents can access alcohol legally through this route.
International media have noted that this policy represents a major step in Saudi Arabia’s broader reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. These reforms aim to diversify the economy, attract international tourists, and encourage foreign investment.
Experts say the relaxed Alcohol Sales rules may help reduce illegal trading while ensuring the government maintains oversight. The new regulations also reflect Saudi Arabia’s cautious approach to modernizing social norms without upsetting conservative traditions.
Residents and expatriates continue to monitor how the rules are implemented in practice. Many see this step as part of the kingdom’s ongoing modernization, signaling that further changes in lifestyle and social freedoms may follow.
With careful regulation, authorities hope that legal Alcohol Sales will become a controlled, transparent part of life for eligible foreign residents, balancing tradition with economic and cultural openness.
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