Alcohol in Saudi Arabia: Legalities and Subterfuges

Saudi Arabia is known for its strict adherence to Islamic law, particularly concerning alcohol. While the sale and consumption of alcohol is illegal for the majority of the population, exceptions do exist, especially for foreign workers.

Legal Restrictions and Penalties

Starting with the major legal restrictions, the kingdom has implemented zero tolerance laws regarding alcohol consumption. This means that anyone found with alcohol, whether purchased or homemade, can face severe penalties, which include fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Foreign workers, however, have some leeway. There are legal ways for them to consume alcohol, albeit with significant caution. It is crucial that foreign workers do not share alcohol with citizens or store it publicly, as such behavior is illegal.

Illegal Channels and Homemade Alcohol

The strict ban on alcohol has led to a thriving black market, with many foreign workers resorting to illegal purchases from sellers or bringing alcohol from neighboring countries like Bahrain and the UAE. This method, however, often comes with a hefty price tag, as the cost is significantly higher than the original retail price.

Additionally, many home breweries exist, typically in foreign workers' dormitories. These breweries make use of cheap fruits available in local markets to produce their own alcohol. These homemade beverages are often consumed during parties and other social gatherings. One such homemade alcohol, similar to US moonshine, is known to cause severe hangovers.

In more affluent areas such as the royal family, rich households, and certain expatriate compounds, the production and consumption of alcohol are more prevalent. Homemade alcohol, or sidiki, is commonly found in the American oil compound and among expatriates. Some foreigners even produce their own alcohol, leading to occasional explosions and fires in private distilleries.

Historical Insight

My recollection from being in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s reveals that alcohol was still somewhat accessible, albeit illicitly. Expats would make their own wine and beer, with Arab American Oil Company (Aramco) village hosting its own distilleries and breweries. Grape juice, sugar, and yeast were readily available for such DIY projects.

One memorable incident involved a neighbor who accidentally created a strong brewery, causing the entire house to smell of beer for weeks. There have also been news reports of explosions and fires resulting from unauthorized distilleries in the Aramco Village, a now legendary area known for its underground brewing culture.

Conclusion

In summary, while alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, the vast majority of the population adheres to the restrictions. However, there are ways for foreigners to access and consume alcohol, often through illegal channels or homemade production methods. This black market and homemade alcohol culture has been a part of the expatriate experience in Saudi Arabia for many years and continues to thrive despite the legal prohibitions.