Saudi Arabia has long been known for its strict alcohol laws, but with Vision 2030 reforms, many travelers and expats wonder: Can you drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
This guide covers:
- Current alcohol laws (2025 updates)
- Penalties for breaking the rules
- Where alcohol is (and isn’t) available
- Non-alcoholic alternatives
- How expats and tourists navigate social drinking
Is Alcohol Legal in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
Short answer: No, alcohol remains illegal for public sale and consumption.
Despite rumors about alcohol being legalized in NEOM or Red Sea resorts, no official changes to alcohol laws have been made as of June 2025. All public consumption remains prohibited.
1. The Official Ban – Saudi Arabia’s Alcohol Laws
- Public consumption, sale, and importation of alcohol are prohibited under Islamic law (Sharia).
- Possession can lead to fines, deportation, or imprisonment (more on penalties below).
- No licensed bars, clubs, or liquor stores exist (unlike UAE or Bahrain).
🔍 Source: Saudi General Customs Authority (Alcohol Import Restrictions)
2. Exceptions & Loopholes (2025 Updates)
While the ban remains strict, some discreet exceptions exist:
A. Diplomatic Privileges
- Diplomats in compounds like Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) can import limited alcohol for personal use.
- Must obtain permits from their embassies.
🔍 Source: US Embassy Saudi Arabia – Customs Regulations
B. Private Consumption in Closed Compounds
- Some Western expat compounds allow residents to bring in alcohol (strictly for private use).
- Not openly advertised – requires knowing the right people.
Even in compounds, public intoxication is illegal and can lead to arrest. In 2024, 12 expats were deported for drunken behavior in compounds.
C. “Non-Alcoholic” Beer & Mocktails
- Many restaurants serve 0.0% ABV beers (e.g., Heineken 0.0, Barbican).
- Luxury hotels offer craft mocktails mimicking real cocktails.
🔍 Popular Brands:
- Barbican (locally brewed malt beverage)
- Birell (Egyptian non-alcoholic beer)
Penalties for Alcohol in Saudi Arabia (2025)
Breaking alcohol laws can result in:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Public drinking | Arrest, deportation, or lashing (rare in 2025) |
| Selling alcohol | Prison (up to 5 years) + heavy fines |
| Drunk driving | Immediate jail, license suspension, deportation |
| Smuggling alcohol | Up to 10 years in prison (if caught at customs) |
🔍 Source: Saudi Narcotics Control Law (Article 39)
Where Can You (Legally) Drink in Saudi Arabia?
1. Diplomatic & Military Compounds
- US/UK embassy events occasionally serve alcohol (for diplomats only).
- Military bases (e.g., Aramco) have private liquor stores.
2. Private Expat Gatherings
- Some high-end expat parties serve alcohol discreetly.
- Not publicly discussed due to legal risks.
3. Bahrain & UAE “Booze Runs”
- Many expats drive/fly to Bahrain or Dubai for weekend trips.
- Allowed to bring back small amounts (but still illegal if caught).
Non-Alcoholic Alternatives in Saudi Arabia
Since alcohol is banned, Saudi Arabia has a thriving mocktail culture:
Best Places for Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
- 🍹 The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh – Luxury mocktails in a palace setting
- 🍷 Cafés in Jeddah’s Al-Balad – Traditional Arabic drinks like saffron-infused qahwa
- 🍺 Tamimi Markets – Sells Heineken 0.0% and Barbican
Final Verdict: Can You Drink in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
✅ No legal public drinking (still banned under Sharia law).
✅ Diplomats & some expats can access alcohol privately.
✅ Non-alcoholic beers/mocktails widely available.
🚫 Tourists should NOT attempt to bring or drink alcohol.
Key Takeaways:
- ✔ Do NOT risk smuggling alcohol (airport scanners detect it).
- ✔ Stick to 0.0% drinks to avoid legal trouble.
- ✔ Respect local laws – Saudi Arabia is not Dubai.
🔗 For official updates: Saudi General Customs Authority
Need More Saudi Travel Tips?
📌 Read: Saudi Arabia Expat Guide: Dos & Don’ts (2025)
📌 Follow: @livinginarabia for latest Saudi laws
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