Bartenders are being recruited to worldwide resort chains and leisure developments throughout Saudi Arabia as the dominion eases restrictions on alcohol, in keeping with job listings and recruitment posts reviewed by Arabian Enterprise.
A number of world hospitality manufacturers – together with Crowne Plaza, Rixos, Shangri-La, and 4 Seasons – are promoting bartender roles in cities corresponding to Riyadh and Jeddah, and alongside the Purple Beach. Some job descriptions reference cocktail preparation, wine and spirits data and accountable alcohol service in keeping with Saudi legislation and resort coverage.
A Riyadh bartender itemizing posted by Crowne Plaza Motels and Resorts on the job web site Glassdoor reads: “Each shift, you’ll: put together, combine and serve drinks to friends in keeping with established recipes and presentation requirements. Present educated suggestions on cocktails, mocktails, wines and spirits… Guarantee accountable service of alcohol in keeping with Saudi legislation and resort coverage.”
A itemizing for a Jeddah bartender posted by Shangri-La Motels reads: “The Bartender is chargeable for the general administration and operations concerning cocktail bars and general drinks and can report back to the Head Mixologist.”
A itemizing for a Saudi Arabia bartender posted by 4 Seasons on the job web site Naukrigulf says profitable candidates shall be required to: “Put together and serve a various vary of drinks, together with traditional cocktails, authentic creations and non-alcoholic choices… Keep a clear, organized and totally stocked bar always.”
The hiring exercise comes as Saudi Arabia step by step relaxes alcohol-related curbs as a part of a broader social and financial reform programme led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, geared toward attracting international funding, tourism and worldwide expertise.
Saudi Arabia final 12 months opened its first alcohol retailer in additional than seven many years, permitting non-Muslim diplomats in Riyadh to buy alcohol below strict controls.
In November, Reuters reported that two further alcohol retailers had been deliberate for Jeddah and Dhahran, citing folks briefed on the plans. One retailer is anticipated to serve non-Muslim diplomats in Jeddah, whereas one other could be positioned inside a compound owned by state oil big Aramco within the jap province of Dhahran, serving international, non-Muslim employees.
Each shops are anticipated to open in 2026, sources informed Reuters on the time, although no official announcement has been made and Saudi authorities haven’t publicly confirmed the plans.
Extra lately, Bloomberg reported that Saudi Arabia might widen eligibility for alcohol purchases on the Riyadh outlet to sure high-income, non-Muslim expats, citing folks aware of the matter. Semafor additionally reported that entry had been expanded to incorporate some non-Muslim Premium Residency holders, with purchases ruled by a month-to-month, points-based allowance system. Saudi authorities haven’t publicly commented on the reported adjustments.
Whereas alcoholic drinks stay prohibited for the overwhelming majority of the inhabitants, the looks of bartender vacancies suggests elements of the hospitality sector are making ready for a extra advanced beverage providing, notably in venues catering to expatriates, diplomats and worldwide guests.
Saudi officers have repeatedly pressured that alcohol liberalisation stays restricted. Extremely-luxury tourism initiatives such because the Purple Sea resorts are anticipated to stay ‘dry’, and Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb mentioned this 12 months that no official change had been made to alcohol coverage.
Saudi Arabia’s cautious method contrasts with different Gulf international locations with massive expat populations, such because the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, the place alcohol is obtainable below various restrictions. Kuwait stays the one Gulf nation, alongside Saudi Arabia, the place alcohol is broadly prohibited.
The dominion has accelerated social reforms in recent times, together with permitting ladies to drive, easing gender segregation and increasing leisure choices, whereas transferring extra step by step on alcohol amid non secular sensitivities.
