Will Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air serve alcohol?

Riyadh Air has created plenty of buzz aorund its new business class suites, revealed over the weekend alongside premium economy recliners and plans for an exclusive first class cabin.

Now the countdown continues for the Saudi Arabian flag carrier, towards the announcement of its first destinations – starting with two high-profile European cities – with tickets going on sale in Q3, CEO Tony Douglas tells Executive Traveller, ahead of inaugural flights in late 2025.

And there’s plenty still to come.

The launch of Riyadh Air frequent flyer program – of the ‘soft product’ intended to elevate the travel experience in both the Business Elite suites and premium economy cabin – and of a ‘super app’ which will even let travellers control every function of their seat from their phone.

Riyadh Air's 787 business class.

But one question continues to swirl: will Riyadh Air serve alcohol?

While Riyadh Air is part of a strategic plan to open up Saudi Arabia to the world – and bring the world to Saudi Arabia – the country remains a strongly theocratic nation where alcohol is forbidden under strict Islamic law.

So, Executive Traveller asked airline boss Douglas, will Riyadh Air be a ‘dry’ airline?

“It’s very straightforward, really,” Douglas responds.

“We’ll work within the legal framework that is present at any point in time.”

“At the moment, alcohol is prohibited within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and therefore we will work with that as being the current legislation.”

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas.

Those carefully-composed words seem framed against speculation that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may allow exceptions to the conservative kingdom’s ban on alcohol as part of an ambitious agenda to develop the nation as a regional trade, finance and tourism hub.

The first small steps have already been taken, with last year’s opening of a liquor shop in Riyadh selling beer, wine and spirits exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats of foreign counties.

Other Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, have allowed non-Muslims to drink in hotels and licensed restaurants for several years.

“If over time things change, we’ll adapt and adjust accordingly,” Douglas says.

Also read: Riyadh Air’s stunning new ‘Mercedes Maybach’ 787 business class