Saudi Arabia has begun allowing certain non-Muslim foreign residents to purchase alcohol legally, introducing a tightly controlled system that extends access beyond the diplomatic community for the first time in decades.

According to residents familiar with the process, eligibility is restricted to expatriates earning at least 50,000 riyals per month, who must show verified income documentation before being permitted to enter the authorised store in Riyadh.

The move follows an earlier policy shift that granted holders of the kingdom’s Premium Residency visas the ability to buy alcohol, signalling gradual liberalisation within a framework designed to remain tightly regulated.

Under the new rules, qualifying residents must present a salary certificate that is cross-checked through a government platform before they can shop.

Those who do not meet the income threshold remain barred from entry.

Officials have not issued a formal announcement, with the change spreading largely through word of mouth as residents report being granted access after verification.

The expansion is widely seen as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation agenda, which aims to attract skilled foreign professionals and bolster investment by easing certain lifestyle restrictions while maintaining cultural and religious boundaries.

Plans are also in motion for additional alcohol outlets in Jeddah and Dhahran, expected to open in 2026, further extending access for non-Muslims working for major companies and international institutions.

While the kingdom continues to uphold its longstanding religious prohibitions for citizens and Muslim residents, the controlled opening represents a notable step in balancing tradition with the practical needs of a diversifying economy.