Saudi Arabia reportedly considers limited alcohol access for high-income foreign residents

Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering a policy shift that would allow certain foreign residents to legally purchase alcohol under a tightly controlled system, marking a significant change in a country long known for its strict alcohol laws.

According to reports, the proposed framework would apply only to high-income expatriates earning more than $13,000 per month. Access would be limited and regulated, with the aim of maintaining oversight while granting restricted permissions to a specific segment of residents.

The move is understood to be part of broader efforts to modernize aspects of the Kingdom’s social and economic environment, particularly as Saudi Arabia seeks to attract global talent, expand tourism, and position itself as a competitive destination for international professionals.

Officials have not announced full details of how the system would operate, and no formal implementation timeline has been confirmed. However, the reported plan suggests alcohol access would remain highly restricted, rather than broadly legalized.

While the change would be narrow in scope, analysts note that it represents a notable shift in policy direction for the Kingdom. If implemented, it would signal a careful recalibration of long-standing regulations, balancing social norms with economic and global integration goals.

For now, the development remains based on reports, with further clarity expected if the proposal advances into official policy.