(Adnkronos) – In Saudi Arabia, restrictions on the sale of alcohol to foreign residents have been further eased, just days after the first opening to non-diplomatic buyers. Now, non-Muslim expatriates with a monthly income of at least 50,000 riyals (approximately 11,500 euros) can also purchase alcohol at the only authorized store in Riyadh.
At the end of last month, access had only been granted to premium visa holders, marking a historic opening in the ultra-conservative kingdom. Since then, the rules would have been discreetly softened again.
Some foreigners reported showing their residency documents to the store staff, who verified their income through a Saudi platform before authorizing the sale. “At first we were surprised and didn’t believe it,” an expat said after receiving messages from friends via WhatsApp about the easing of restrictions. “We entered after the checks and were able to buy alcohol,” he added.
