Saudi Arabia has till now been counted among the countries with the strictest liquor laws in the world. Meanwhile, the government has made such an amendment in the policy regarding liquor, which was completely banned for a long time, which has attracted everyone’s attention at the global level. Under the new system, non-Muslim foreign citizens who have a premium residency permit of Saudi Arabia. Those people can buy liquor from designated places within the country. However, this permission is not for the common people nor has it removed the general ban on liquor in the country.

Saudi Arabia’s only official liquor store is located in the Diplomatic Quarter of the capital Riyadh. This store looks absolutely normal from outside. No signboard or identification mark has been installed there. It was opened in January 2024, but at that time only non-Muslim diplomats were allowed to buy liquor here. Now its scope has been expanded to a limited extent. According to the information, the prices of liquor at this store are much higher than the normal international market. While diplomats will get tax exemption, premium residency holders will have to pay tax. At present, the options like beer and wine are said to be limited, but the store has been well managed and controlled.

Premium Residency a special scheme of Saudi Government

According to AP report, Premium Residency is a special scheme of the Saudi government, the aim of which is to attract wealthy investors, big businessmen and highly qualified foreign professionals to stay in the country for a long time. Under this permit, a person can live in Saudi Arabia without any local sponsor, buy property, start a business and keep his family together. However, for this the conditions of heavy investment and high income have to be fulfilled.

Foreigners used to go to Bahrain

Before this change, foreigners living in Saudi Arabia used to go to neighboring country Bahrain for alcohol. A huge crowd of Saudi citizens and foreigners was seen there during weekends. Some people also resorted to illegal methods or home-made liquor, which was risky both in terms of health and law. Experts believe that this decision is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ‘Vision 2030’ program. Under this plan, Saudi Arabia is moving towards modernizing itself socially and economically. In recent years, opening of cinema halls in the country, women getting permission to drive and organizing international music and entertainment programs are considered to be the links of this change.

Also read: Liquor is being sold indiscriminately in Saudi Arabia, you can buy any number of bottles only by fulfilling this condition.

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