US EditionSaudi Arabia to Open More Alcohol Stores as Curbs Ease, Sources Say
New stores in Dhahran and Jeddah will serve non-Muslim Aramco staff and diplomats as Saudi Arabia expands alcohol access under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reforms.
- Saudi Arabia plans to open two new alcohol stores, one inside an Aramco compound in Dhahran for non-Muslim foreign staff and another for non-Muslim diplomats in Jeddah.
- The move follows reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with authorities easing restrictions to attract foreign businesses and tourists and allowing Saudis and foreigners new social activities.
- Years ago, Riyadh opened the first alcohol store since the 73-year ban in 2024, recently expanding its customer base to include non-Muslim Saudi Premium Residency holders.
- The government media office did not immediately reply to questions about the new plans, and no timelines have been released for the Dhahran and Jeddah stores, with no regulatory change after the Riyadh store opened.
- Despite major tourism projects, ultra-luxury resorts remain dry as vigorous online public debate continues and leaders take a cautious approach to alcohol amid rapid social liberalisation.
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More diplomats and residents of Saudi Arabia have said to AFP that the country has relaxed the rules that allow certain foreigners to buy alcohol, the latest sign of...
More diplomats and residents of Saudi Arabia have declared to the AFP that the country has relaxed the rules that allow certain foreigners to buy alcohol, the latest sign of opening in the conservative kingdom.
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