Summary
Saudi Arabia is slowly easing its restrictions on alcohol by allowing certain stores to sell it quietly to wealthy foreigners. These changes are part of a broader effort to improve Saudi Arabia's international appeal and reduce reliance on oil by attracting more foreign tourists and residents. The initiative is discreet, as the country has not made any official announcements yet.
Key Facts
- An unmarked store in Riyadh is selling alcohol to foreigners with "premium residency" status.
- Premium residency allows more freedoms for holders and costs between $26,600 to $213,000.
- To enter and buy alcohol, customers must prove a high monthly income of over $13,300.
- Two more alcohol-selling stores are planned to open in Jeddah and Dhahran.
- The change aims to curb a long-standing black market for alcohol in Saudi Arabia.
- The shift aligns with Saudi Arabia's strategy to diversify its economy from oil.
- Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has been relaxing some social restrictions to attract tourists.
- The country has not made any official changes to the alcohol ban policy.
