Saudi Arabia Allows Alcohol for Rich Expats, Faces Backlash

• Saudi Arabia has eased alcohol rules, allowing non-Muslim foreign residents to purchase alcohol under strict conditions.
• Eligibility requires a monthly salary over 50,000 riyals (approx. Rs 12 Lakh) and a salary certificate for access to the Riyadh liquor store.
• The policy, initially for diplomats, now extends to non-Muslims with premium residency, but has drawn criticism for favoring the wealthy.
• Purchases are subject to a fixed monthly limit linked to national ID and managed via a special app.
• The country's alcohol ban dates back to a tragic incident in the 1950s involving a royal family member.

Why It Matters: Saudi Arabia's alcohol rule change signals modernization but sparks debate on wealth inequality.