17:04 - 9.12.2025

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December 9, Fineko/abc.az. Saudi authorities have relaxed strict restrictions on alcohol sales. To buy alcoholic beverages, you need to be a foreign citizen with a certain income level, reside in Saudi Arabia and do not profess Islam, ABC.AZ informs, referring to Bloomberg.

According to agency's sources, in order to purchase alcohol, foreign citizens must present a certificate of monthly income of at least $13,300. You can buy alcohol using such a certificate in the first and so far the only store in Saudi Arabia, which opened in 2024 in the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh. Initially, foreign diplomats and embassy staff from non-Muslim countries could buy alcoholic beverages there. Now the number of buyers has expanded, without informing the public too much about it. In addition, Bloomberg previously reported that two more alcohol stores are under construction in two other cities of the country.

The ban on the sale and drinking of alcohol in Saudi Arabia has been in effect since 1952. In May 2025, some media outlets spread information that the country's authorities allegedly want to lift this ban. However, sources in the country's leadership denied these rumors.