Saudi Arabia recruits bartenders amid alcohol policy reforms

• Saudi Arabia is actively recruiting bartenders for luxury hotels and coastal resorts, signaling a major shift as it prepares to serve alcohol in controlled settings to non-Muslim expatriates and tourists under Vision 2030.
• The kingdom is gradually easing its 70-year alcohol ban, recently expanding store access to high-income "Premium Residency" holders and planning new retail outlets in Jeddah and Dhahran by 2026.

Saudi Arabia is actively recruiting bartenders for international hotel chains and entertainment developments as the kingdom continues to relax longstanding restrictions on alcohol consumption.

This comes with economic and social reforms aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil dependency and attracting foreign investment and tourism in the kingdom.

Job listings and recruitment posts indicate preparations for serving alcoholic beverages in controlled environments, such as high-end hotels catering to non-Muslim expatriates and visitors.

The initiative reflects a shift under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 program, which seeks to modernize societal norms while adhering to Islamic principles.

International hotel chains involved in the recruitment include establishments in Riyadh and along the Red Sea coast.

For instance, a listing in one of the hotels emphasizes preparing and serving beverages according to established recipes, while another role involves overseeing cocktail bars and reporting to heads of mixology.

The responsibilities outlined in these job advertisements encompass mixing cocktails, providing recommendations on wines and spirits, maintaining stocked bars, and ensuring compliance with Saudi laws on responsible alcohol service.

This recruitment surge follows incremental policy changes, including the opening of Saudi Arabia's first alcohol store in over 70 years in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter last year, initially limited to non-Muslim diplomats.

Recent expansions have broadened access at this store to include non-Muslim holders of Premium Residency visas, such as entrepreneurs and investors, through a points-based purchase system.

Saudi authorities have emphasized that these measures remain restricted and do not signal a wholesale policy reversal.

Further easing is anticipated in 2026, with plans to establish additional alcohol outlets in Jeddah for non-Muslim diplomats.

Eligibility for purchases has been extended to non-Muslim foreign residents earning at least 50,000 Saudi riyals ($13,300) monthly, verified by salary certificates.