Saudi Arabia is lifting the alcohol ban for wealthy foreigners
Saudi Arabia has quietly begun allowing wealthy foreign residents to buy alcohol, marking a major shift after a 73-year ban. The change is seen as part of the kingdom’s broader efforts to modernize its society and economy, with some observers expecting the policy to eventually extend to tourists.
The controlled sales are taking place in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, an upscale area known for embassies and foreign residents. Inside an unmarked building, a single liquor store has become a testing site for the sensitive policy, selling alcohol under strict conditions.
Saudi Arabia banned alcohol sales in 1952, as it is home to Islam’s two holiest sites. However, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country has introduced wide-ranging reforms, including reopening cinemas, hosting music festivals, allowing women to drive, and limiting the power of religious police.
The liquor store first opened in January 2024 for non-Muslim diplomats only. Since late 2025, access has expanded to wealthy non-Muslim foreign residents. To qualify, buyers must hold a Premium Residency permit or earn at least 50,000 riyals per month, and must show identification proving their residency and religion.
Customers say the process is tightly controlled. Phones are sealed before entry, and queues can last over an hour. Alcohol prices are higher than in Western countries but cheaper than black-market options, making the store a significant development in Saudi Arabia’s social transformation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20260204-saudi-arabia-is-lifting-the-alcohol-ban-for-wealthy-foreigners |
