Saudi Arabia has discreetly lifted its decades-long alcohol ban for wealthy, non-Muslim foreign residents in Riyadh, beginning with a store in the Diplomatic Quarter. This move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's broader social and economic reforms to diversify the kingdom's economy away from oil and attract foreign investment and tourism.

• Eligibility requires a Premium Residency permit costing 100,000 Saudi riyals ($27,000; £19,300) annually, or a minimum monthly salary of 50,000 riyals.
• The liquor shop initially opened in January 2024 for non-Muslim diplomats, with new rules expanding access to eligible foreign residents by the end of 2025.
• Alcohol prices are significantly higher than Western markets, with a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label whisky costing around $124 (£90), but lower than the black market.
• The country's hospitality industry is preparing for potential future easing of restrictions, with major events like the World Expo in 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034 on the horizon.