To be eligible to buy alcohol in Saudi Arabia, a monthly income of over $13300 is required
On December 9th, it was announced that Saudi Arabia will allow some non Muslim foreign nationals to purchase alcohol, provided that their income reaches a certain level.
Saudi Arabia has taken a significant and controversial measure, allowing for the first time some non Muslim foreign residents to legally purchase alcoholic beverages. But this policy has strict income restrictions: only foreign nationals with a monthly income exceeding 50000 riyals (approximately 13300 US dollars) are eligible to purchase. This move is part of a broader initiative to attract high skilled talent, promote tourism development, and achieve economic modernization before the 2034 Men's World Cup.
For decades, Saudi Arabia has been enforcing one of the strictest prohibition laws in the world, rooted in Islamic doctrine that prohibits alcohol consumption. Despite the relaxation of social restrictions in recent years, allowing women to drive, music concerts becoming commonplace, and entertainment venues reopening, alcohol remains an insurmountable taboo.
This boundary is currently undergoing changes.
According to Bloomberg, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will allow non Muslim foreign residents to purchase eoe beer and strong alcoholic beverages at a government controlled store in the capital Riyadh. But only high-income foreigners with a monthly income exceeding the threshold of 50000 riyals can enjoy this discount.
Customers entering the store must present:
1. A salary certificate proving their income
2. Advanced resident identification or other qualified identification documents
3. Documents proving non Muslim identity
This store was originally opened last year for the exclusive use of foreign diplomats. Now, it has quietly expanded its service scope, benefiting a small number of foreign nationals.
Why is Saudi Arabia relaxing its alcohol regulations now?
This transformation is not primarily driven by considerations of lifestyle liberalization, but rather by economic, strategic, and global considerations.
1. Competing for global talent
Saudi Arabia hopes to attract high skilled talents in fields such as technology, finance, healthcare, energy, and entertainment. Like most international metropolises, Saudi Arabia also allows limited legal drinking, which helps it compete with cities such as Dubai, Doha, and Singapore for top talent.
2. Preparing for the 2034 Men's World Cup
Hosting global events means receiving millions of international tourists. By first strictly controlling the entry of residents, the authorities can establish infrastructure and improve epidemic prevention measures, and then gradually relax restrictions on tourists during the World Cup.
3. Increase non oil revenue
Despite Saudi Arabia's abundant oil resources, it still faces the problem of continuously increasing government spending and projected fiscal deficits in the coming years. The tourism industry is an important pillar of the "2030 Vision" diversification plan, and restricting the supply of alcoholic beverages is seen as an effective means of attracting tourists and investors domestically.
4. Maintain control and avoid rebound
By restricting purchasing privileges to a small and easily regulated group of high-income foreign nationals, Saudi leaders have minimized the risk of public criticism. This is still politically sensitive, and the authorities are clearly acting cautiously.
Author: Peng Hui Source: China International Beer Network
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