Bartenders are being recruited at international hotel chains and entertainment developments across Saudi Arabia as the kingdom eases restrictions on alcohol, according to updated job listings and vacancies. Arabian business.
Several global hospitality brands – including Crowne Plaza, Rixos, Shangri-La, and Four Seasons – are advertising bartender roles in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as on the Red Sea coast. Other job descriptions refer to cocktail preparation, wine and spirits knowledge and responsible alcohol service in accordance with Saudi law and hotel policy.
The Riyadh bartender listing posted by Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts on the job website Glassdoor reads: “Every shift, you will: prepare, mix and serve drinks to guests according to established cooking rules and presentation standards. Provide informed recommendations on cocktails, mocktails, wine and beverages… Ensures responsible alcohol service in accordance with Saudi Arabian law and hotel policy.”
The Jeddah bartender list posted by Shangri-La Hotels reads: “The Bartender is responsible for the management and operation of cocktails and overall beverages and will report to the Head Mixologist.”
A Saudi Arabian bar job listing posted by the Four Seasons on the Naukrigulf job site says successful candidates will be required to: “Prepare and serve a variety of drinks, including classic cocktails, creations and non-alcoholic options… Maintain a clean, orderly and well-stocked bar at all times.”
The recruitment drive comes as Saudi Arabia gradually loosens alcohol-related measures as part of a wider social and economic reform program led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at attracting foreign investment, tourism and international talent.
Saudi Arabia last year opened its first liquor store in more than seven decades, allowing non-Muslim politicians in Riyadh to buy alcohol under strict controls.
In November, Reuters reported that two liquor stores were also planned in Jeddah and Dhahran, citing people briefed on the plans. One store is expected to serve non-Muslim diplomats in Jeddah, while another will be located inside the state oil company Aramco in the eastern province of Dhahran, serving foreign, non-Muslim workers.
Both stores are expected to open in 2026, sources said Reuters at the time, although no official announcement was made and the Saudi authorities did not publicly confirm the plans.
Recently, Bloomberg reported that Saudi Arabia may expand the eligibility of alcohol purchases in the Riyadh area to high-income, non-Muslims, citing people familiar with the matter. Semaphore also reported that access has been extended to include non-Muslim Premium residential owners, with purchases governed by a monthly, points-based system. Saudi authorities have not publicly commented on the reported changes.
Although alcoholic beverages are still prohibited by the majority of the population, the emergence of alcohol vacancies suggests that parts of the tourism sector are preparing for the provision of sophisticated beverages, especially in places that cater to foreigners, embassies and foreign tourists.
Saudi officials have repeatedly stressed that alcohol liberalization remains limited. High-end tourism projects such as Red Sea resorts are expected to remain ‘dry’, and Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said this year there would be no official change to the alcohol policy.
Saudi Arabia’s precautionary approach differs from other Gulf countries with large expatriate populations, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, where alcohol is available under various restrictions. Kuwait remains the only Gulf country, along with Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is widely prohibited.
The government has accelerated social reforms in recent years, including allowing women to drive, reducing gender segregation and expanding entertainment options, while slowly cracking down on alcohol amid religious sensitivities.
