There are very strict rules regarding drinking alcohol in Saudi Arabia, but now foreign non-Muslims, i.e. people of other religions coming from other countries besides Muslims, have been given many relaxations regarding drinking alcohol. However, there are many conditions for this. In such a situation, the question arises that if a Muslim drinks alcohol in Saudi Arabia, how much punishment does he face? What are the rules there regarding this?

Why is alcohol banned in Saudi Arabia?

It is noteworthy that Sharia law is applicable in Saudi Arabia, in which the rules regarding making, importing, selling, maintaining and drinking liquor etc. are very strict. These rules are applicable to all types of people, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims. If someone drinks or possesses alcohol here, it is considered a crime.

How much punishment do Muslims get?

There are strict restrictions on keeping, drinking or selling alcohol in Saudi Arabia. Here, there is a provision of fine, jail and flogging as punishment for doing so. If we look at media reports, here people who possess or drink liquor in public are punished with 40 to 80 lashes. At the same time, jail sentence can range from 6 months to several years. Besides, heavy fines are also imposed. If the accused is a foreigner, he is deported. The important thing is that while following these rules, no distinction is made between Muslim or non-Muslim.

What has changed in the rules now?

It is worth noting that the Saudi Arabian government has given some relaxation regarding drinking alcohol etc. during the last few years, but this is only for very special foreign residents. Under this, only those non-Muslims who earn more than 50 thousand riyals or about 13 thousand dollars will be allowed to drink alcohol.

Why is Saudi Arabia changing the rules?

Now the question arises that why Saudi Arabia, which strictly enforces Sharia law, is now changing its rules regarding alcohol, then the answer is the Football World Cup to be held in 2034. Apart from this, Saudi officials are focusing more on increasing revenue and tourism apart from earning from oil.

Also read: This is the most dishonest country in the world, isn’t even a single person here honest?

Saudi arabia alcohol ban: Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country known for strict adherence to Sharia laws. Now for the first time in its history, alcohol is moving towards allowing sale. This decision is being taken with the aim of promoting tourism and preparing the country for international events like World Expo 2030. Alcohol was banned in 1932 with the formation of Saudi Arabia, but in 1952 it enacted more stringent laws. However, now after 73 years, it is considered a major social change in the history of Saudi Arabia.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has made many such reforms in the country after coming to power which were once considered unimaginable. Under their rule, women were allowed to drive vehicles. Public entertainment such as cinema and concerts promoted. The process of providing visas for foreign tourists was easier. After this, giving partial discount on alcohol is considered a big decision. The MBS attitude towards alcohol is that there is a big step towards establishing global harmony by retaining culture and religious values.

Where will you get alcohol? What will be the rules?
According to the proposal of the Saudi government, liquor will be found at only 600 tourist places. Only licensed 5-star hotels, resorts and foreign zones will be sold. More than 20% alcohol drinks will still be banned. The ban will still continue for local citizens. Keeping or drinking alcohol in public places, shops, or homes will still be a crime. This policy is only for non-Muslim foreign tourists, who want to get experience like competitive countries like Dubai, Bahrain.

World Expo 2030 and Football World Cup 2034
Saudi Arabia is going to host the World Expo in 2030 and the FIFA Football World Cup in 2034. Keeping in mind the needs of foreign tourists and representatives in such international events, the Saudi government has taken steps towards reform. World Expo 2030, which will be in Riyadh from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, is a platform where countries around the world display their culture, technology and development. Relaxation on alcohol is being done keeping in mind the needs of this global platform.

First liquor shop opened in 2024
In 2024, the first liquor shop was opened in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Zone. It was opened only for non-Muslim foreign diplomats. For this, the identification and purchases of customers were controlled by mobile apps. However, carrying mobile phones in the shop was prohibited. This was a controlled and limited experiment of Saudi’s new policy, detected how the reforms could be implemented without hurting religious sentiments.