You've probably heard the rumors. Maybe you saw a TikTok about a "secret" bar in Riyadh or read a headline about the Kingdom finally "uncorking" the bottle. But honestly, if you're planning a trip or moving there for work, the reality of drinking laws in Saudi Arabia is a lot more nuanced—and potentially riskier—than a viral clip suggests.
It's a weird time. The country is opening up at lightning speed, yet the rules about booze remain some of the strictest on the planet. For over 70 years, since a tragic incident in 1951 involving a royal and a British diplomat, the Kingdom has been stone-cold dry. But as of 2026, the ice is starting to crack. Just don't expect a pub crawl in Jeddah anytime soon.
The Big Shift: What’s Actually Legal Now?
Basically, there is now a legal way to buy alcohol in Saudi Arabia, but it’s definitely not for everyone. In early 2024, a liquor store opened in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.
It was a historic moment.
But here is the catch: it’s only for non-Muslim diplomats. You can't just walk in with a vacation tan and buy a six-pack. You need an app, a quota, and official diplomatic clearance.
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Lately, though, things have shifted again. Reports from late 2025 and into 2026 show that certain "Premium Residency" holders—high-earning expats making over 50,000 riyals a month—have been granted access to this same Riyadh outlet. It's a "pay-to-play" system designed to keep top-tier talent from fleeing to Dubai.
The 2026 "Tourist Zone" Rules
If you're a traveler looking at luxury spots like NEOM, Sindalah Island, or the Red Sea Project, the landscape is changing. The government is rolling out a pilot program for roughly 600 licensed venues—mostly five-star hotels and remote resorts.
Here’s the breakdown of what that looks like:
- Beer, Wine, and Cider only. If you’re looking for a double shot of tequila, you're out of luck. Anything over 20% ABV is still strictly banned.
- On-premise consumption. You drink it at the bar or in the restaurant. You cannot take a bottle back to your room, and you certainly can’t walk down the beach with it.
- No public advertising. You won't see billboards for Budweiser. The service is meant to be discreet, almost invisible to the local population.
Where You Will Still Get In Trouble
Despite the headlines, the "dry" nature of the Kingdom is the default. If you aren't in a hyper-specific tourist zone or a diplomat, drinking laws in Saudi Arabia haven't changed for you.
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Public intoxication is a massive no-no. If you’re caught drunk in a taxi or walking home, you’re looking at more than just a hangover. We’re talking hefty fines, potential jail time, and—for expats—almost certain deportation. The "Mutawa" (religious police) don't have the power they used to, but the regular police are very efficient.
The "Saudi Champagne" Trap
You’ll see it on every menu: Saudi Champagne. Don’t get excited. It’s basically a mix of apple juice and sparkling water with sliced fruit. It’s delicious, but it won’t give you a buzz.
Important Note: Do not try to bring "Duty-Free" alcohol into the airport. Even if you're flying into a "liberal" zone like NEOM, customs will seize it. At best, they make you pour it out. At worst, you start your trip in a holding cell.
The Cultural Reality
Most Saudis you meet will have a range of opinions. Some are excited about the modernization. Others are deeply protective of the "dry" lifestyle, seeing it as a core part of the country’s identity as the cradle of Islam.
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Even in 2026, drinking is a private affair. There’s a long-standing "home-brew" culture and a black market (Siddiki), but it’s risky. The quality is inconsistent, and the legal penalties for "moonshining" are much harsher than just having a glass of wine.
What Happens if You Break the Law?
The legal system is based on Sharia. While the days of public lashings for minor alcohol offenses have largely faded in favor of fines and prison, the system is still rigorous.
- Possession: Usually results in a fine and confiscation.
- Dealing/Selling: This is where things get scary. Long prison sentences are the norm.
- DUI: Zero tolerance. If there’s even a trace in your system after an accident, the legal protections you might have vanish.
How to Navigate This as a Visitor
If you're heading to KSA this year, the best advice is to treat alcohol like a rare, location-based privilege rather than a right.
Keep it to the licensed hotels. If you're staying in a standard hotel in Riyadh or Jeddah, it’s still 100% dry. Don't ask the concierge where to find a drink; it's awkward and puts them in a tough spot.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip:
- Check your specific resort rules: If you're staying at a Red Sea Global property, email them ahead of time to ask about their current licensing status. Not all "5-star" spots have their permits yet.
- Download the "Tawakkalna" app: While it started for COVID-19, it’s now the hub for all sorts of permits and ID checks in the Kingdom.
- Respect the "Dry" zones: Never, ever bring alcohol into Mecca or Medina. These cities are strictly off-limits for even the new 2026 reforms.
- Watch the ABV: If you do find a licensed spot, remember the 20% rule. If a drink tastes surprisingly strong, it might be an illegal import, and you don't want to be there when the inspection happens.
Saudi Arabia is changing, but it’s doing so on its own terms. The drinking laws in Saudi Arabia are moving toward a "Dubai-lite" model, but for now, discretion is the name of the game. Enjoy the juice, the coffee, and if you’re at the right resort, that glass of wine—just keep it behind the resort gates.