Bartenders wanted in Saudi Arabia as alcohol curbs ease

Bartenders are being recruited to international hotel chains and entertainment developments across Saudi Arabia as the kingdom eases restrictions on alcohol, according to job listings and recruitment posts reviewed by 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, and along the Red Sea coast. Some job descriptions reference cocktail preparation, wine and spirits knowledge and responsible alcohol service in line with Saudi law and hotel policy.

A Riyadh bartender listing posted by Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts on the job website Glassdoor reads: “Every shift, you’ll: prepare, mix and serve beverages to guests according to established recipes and presentation standards. Provide knowledgeable recommendations on cocktails, mocktails, wines and spirits… Ensure responsible service of alcohol in line with Saudi law and hotel policy.”

A listing for a Jeddah bartender posted by Shangri-La Hotels reads: “The Bartender is responsible for the overall administration and operations regarding cocktail bars and overall beverages and will report to the Head Mixologist.”

A listing for a Saudi Arabia bartender posted by Four Seasons on the job website Naukrigulf says successful candidates will be required to: “Prepare and serve a diverse range of beverages, including classic cocktails, original creations and non-alcoholic options… Maintain a clean, organized and fully stocked bar at all times.”

The hiring activity comes as Saudi Arabia gradually relaxes alcohol-related curbs as part of a broader social and economic reform programme led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at attracting foreign investment, tourism and international talent.

Saudi Arabia last year opened its first alcohol store in more than seven decades, allowing non-Muslim diplomats in Riyadh to purchase alcohol under strict controls.

In November, Reuters reported that two additional alcohol outlets were planned for Jeddah and Dhahran, citing people briefed on the plans. One store is expected to serve non-Muslim diplomats in Jeddah, while another would be located inside a compound owned by state oil giant Aramco in the eastern province of Dhahran, serving foreign, non-Muslim staff.

Both stores are expected to open in 2026, sources told Reuters at the time, though no official announcement has been made and Saudi authorities have not publicly confirmed the plans.

More recently, Bloomberg reported that Saudi Arabia may widen eligibility for alcohol purchases at the Riyadh outlet to certain high-income, non-Muslim expats, citing people familiar with the matter. Semafor also reported that access had been expanded to include some non-Muslim Premium Residency holders, with purchases governed by a monthly, points-based allowance system. Saudi authorities have not publicly commented on the reported changes.

While alcoholic drinks remain prohibited for the vast majority of the population, the appearance of bartender vacancies suggests parts of the hospitality sector are preparing for a more complex beverage offering, particularly in venues catering to expatriates, diplomats and international visitors.

Saudi officials have repeatedly stressed that alcohol liberalisation remains limited. Ultra-luxury tourism projects such as the Red Sea resorts are expected to remain ‘dry’, and Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said this year that no official change had been made to alcohol policy.

Saudi Arabia’s cautious approach contrasts with other Gulf countries with large expat populations, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, where alcohol is available under varying restrictions. Kuwait remains the only Gulf country, alongside Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is broadly prohibited.

The kingdom has accelerated social reforms in recent years, including allowing women to drive, easing gender segregation and expanding entertainment options, while moving more gradually on alcohol amid religious sensitivities.