Location:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Executive Summary:
- Saudi Arabia has eased its non-tolerance to alcohol, but only for a specific group of high-earning non-Muslims who earn 50,000 riyals per month.
- They must provide proof of income and a government-issued ID in order to purchase alcohol from the only alcohol store in the country, located in Riyadh.
- There have been no official statements from the government that make a public law or legalize it.
Importance
This is part of Saudi Arabia’s easing of social restrictions to strengthen its competitive position in trade, business, investment, and tourism. This change draws economic engagement to the country.
Analysis
Political
- Saudi Arabia’s easing of alcohol restrictions is highly likely to support its Vision 2030 with social, economic, and political modernization, but will likely receive criticism from conservatives.
Diplomatic
- A boost in trade, business, investment, and tourism is highly expected, but there are risks of criticism from other Islamic countries and traditional allies.
Security
- It is highly unlikely to create significant security risks; however, security measures must be implemented to avoid social tensions, particularly with incidents while driving under the influence, and trigger opposition from extremist groups.
- Restrictions on selling to Muslims must continue to be enforced and followed.
Regional
- It could likely influence other countries in the GCC, particularly Kuwait, to adopt this for social modernization, but it will highly likely receive criticism from conservatives.
References
The New York Times. (2025, December 6). Saudi Arabia opens first legal alcohol store for non‑Muslims in Riyadh. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-alcohol-riyadh-store.html
