Saudi Arabia has quietly started allowing wealthy foreign residents to legally buy alcohol. This ends a strict ban that lasted more than 70 years. The change applies only to non-Muslim expatriates who hold a Premium Residency permit or earn at least 50,000 riyals (about $13,300) a month. The only place where alcohol is sold now is a discreet, unmarked shop in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. Customers face strict identity checks, and phones or cameras are banned inside. Previously, only diplomats could get alcohol. Prices are high, two to three times more than Western markets, adding to its exclusivity. The kingdom has not announced this change officially, but reports from BBC and Arab Times confirmed it. This limited alcohol access aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms to boost investment and attract skilled expats. Alongside allowing women to drive and expanding tourism, this move shows a slow social and economic opening. Saudi authorities may open more alcohol shops in Dhahran and Jeddah by 2026 to serve diplomats and foreign workers there. Saudi Arabia still bans alcohol for its citizens and Muslim residents. Officials say this is not a full legalisation but a controlled effort to balance tradition with modern needs. The cautious step has sparked debate globally, with some calling it elitist and others seeing it as a pragmatic reform. For now, alcohol remains for the elite few, raising questions if wider changes will follow.