Saudi Arabia reportedly permits wealthy foreigners to purchase alcohol

Saudi Arabia, which has prohibited alcohol for more than seven decades, is reportedly allowing some wealthy foreign residents to buy whiskey and champagne, according to The New York Times.

Previously restricted to diplomats, the store is now said to be selling alcohol to non-Muslim foreigners holding “premium residency” permits, five customers told the newspaper.

Saudi Arabia reportedly permits wealthy foreigners to purchase alcohol

Premium residency is a special status granted to highly educated or wealthy expatriates working in key sectors such as healthcare or state-owned enterprises. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to local sensitivities and the desire to maintain access to the store.

No official announcement has been made about changes to Saudi Arabia’s alcohol policy. Nevertheless, the New York Times reports that business at the unmarked Riyadh store is busy, with luxury SUVs queuing outside a gated facility in the Diplomatic Quarter. A receipt seen by the newspaper showed a bottle of mid-range white wine priced at around $85, more than five times its U.S. price.

The report indicates the store is linked to government operations, with purchases limited by a monthly quota tied to government-issued IDs. Access to the store requires a smartphone app developed by the tax and customs authority. Requests for comment from a Saudi government media office were not answered.

This gradual expansion of alcohol access aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader social and economic reforms. Over the past decade, the kingdom has eased restrictions on women, hosted mixed-gender events, and relaxed other social regulations. Analysts suggest that allowing controlled alcohol sales could attract foreign professionals, boost tourism, and increase government revenue, while carefully managing conservative public opinion.