Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Ban for Elite Foreigners; Long Queues Erupt in Riyadh

• Saudi Arabia has quietly eased its decades-long alcohol ban for non-Muslim foreign nationals holding Premium Residency Permits.
• The sole liquor store in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, previously only for diplomats, now serves this elite group.
• The move aims to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and diversify the economy under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reforms.
• Strict rules apply: identity checks, no phones/cameras, high prices for premium residents; the ban remains for Saudi citizens.
• The change led to long queues outside the unmarked store, signaling a significant social shift in the conservative kingdom.

Why It Matters: Saudi Arabia selectively relaxes its alcohol ban for wealthy foreigners, marking a quiet but significant social shift.