Post by : Maya Rahman

Saudi Arabia has enacted new regulations concerning alcohol sales, permitting affluent non-Muslim expatriates to purchase beverages if they satisfy particular financial criteria. As reported by the New York Times, this initiative is specifically aimed at those earning 50,000 riyals monthly, approximately ₹11 lakhs. Buyers are required to present valid identification along with a salary verification document to obtain liquor from the nation's sole store located in Riyadh.

This Riyadh outlet initially provided service exclusively to foreign diplomats when it debuted last year. Recently, it has broadened its customer base to include non-Muslims who possess premium residency, often referred to as the Saudi Green Card. This residency scheme, introduced in 2019, allows skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors to reside, work, and acquire property in Saudi Arabia. To qualify, applicants must be 21 years or older, pass a medical examination, hold a clean criminal record, and demonstrate adequate financial means to support themselves and their dependents.

Reactions on social media have been intense, with many users criticizing the policy for its perceived preferential treatment towards the wealthy. Comments like, “Proving income for a bottle of wine is absurd” and “It’s amusing that the poor are excluded from alcohol” highlight the discrepancies. Observers contend that this rule seems to advantage affluent tourists and high-income residents while sidelining ordinary wage earners.

This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to modernizing its regulations and attracting global talent, yet it underscores the social disparities between high-income residents and others. The policy appears to be a tentative step toward loosening stringent restrictions for non-Muslims, all while retaining oversight on alcohol distribution.

With this adjustment, non-Muslim individuals possessing premium residency and verified income can now legally purchase alcohol in Riyadh, signifying a significant shift in the Kingdom’s regulatory approach.

#Global News