Archive · 25 Nov 2025
Saudi Arabia Expands Alcohol Stores for Non-Muslims
Saudi Arabia is planning to open two new stores where non-Muslims and diplomats can buy alcohol.
This is a big change because alcohol has been banned in the country for 73 years.
The first store opened in Riyadh in 2023 for diplomats and has since been expanded to include people with special residency permits.
The new stores will be in Dhahran, for workers at the big oil company Aramco, and in Jeddah, for diplomats.
The government is being careful about these changes, balancing the need to attract tourists and foreign workers with the country's religious and social rules.
Alcohol is still not allowed for most people in Saudi Arabia, and there are no plans to change that yet.
Saudi Arabia plans to open two new alcohol stores in 2026 for non-Muslims and diplomats.
First store opened in Riyadh in 2023, initially for diplomats, later expanded to include Premium Residency holders.
New stores will be located in Dhahran (Aramco compound) and Jeddah (diplomatic area).
Alcohol remains prohibited for the general population, with no announced regulatory changes.
Saudi government balances economic ambitions with social and religious considerations in alcohol policy.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia government, non-Muslim residents, diplomats, foreign employees of Aramco
- What
- Expansion of alcohol stores for non-Muslims and diplomats
- When
- New stores expected to open in 2026; existing store opened in 2023
- Where
- Riyadh, Dhahran, Jeddah
- Why
- Part of broader social and economic reforms to attract international expertise and tourists
- New Stores
- Two new alcohol stores planned for 2026: one in Aramco compound in Dhahran, one in Jeddah for diplomats
- Existing Store
- First store opened in Riyadh in 2023 for non-Muslim diplomats, later expanded to include Premium Residency holders
- Alcohol Access
- Previously only available through diplomatic mail, black market, or home brewing
- Tourism Impact
- No alcohol sales in ultra-luxury resorts, including Red Sea Global developments
- Government Stance
- No official regulatory changes announced; gradual approach to alcohol policy
- Social Reforms
- Includes allowing women to drive, loosening gender segregation, and reducing religious police authority
- Tourism Minister's Statement
- Acknowledges international travelers' interest in alcohol but no changes yet
- Future Considerations
- Potential alcohol sales in tourist settings for 2034 World Cup debated but not confirmed
