Alcohol in Saudi Arabia

Alcohol in Saudi Arabia is highly regulated and restricted.

History
The sale of alcohol used to be legal in the kingdom before 1952. However, it was totally banned by King Ibn Saud since 1952.

In 2024, the regulation was reversed when it was announced that an alcohol shop will be opened in Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. However, the store will only be accessible to non-Muslim diplomats who will have to present diplomatic identification to purchase anything. The decision was made to combat the black market and illegal imports of the liquid.

Law
Ordinary people who consume alcohol in the kingdom will be fined and jailed, and foreigners will also be deported.