Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Restrictions

Saudi Arabia has further relaxed its long-standing restrictions on alcohol sales, now allowing non-Muslim foreign residents earning at least 50,000 riyals a month to purchase alcoholic beverages from the country's sole licensed alcohol shop in Riyadh Air. This follows an earlier easing of rules for premium visa-holders. The move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader economic and social reforms under Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy and attracting foreign workers, investors, and tourists. Sales at the Riyadh Air shop have reportedly soared, and there are plans to open additional alcohol outlets in Saudi Arabia — Jeddah and Saudi Arabia — Dhahran by 2026. The ban on alcohol in Saudi Arabia has been in effect since 1952.