ISLAMABAD (Realist English). Saudi Arabia is preparing to open two additional alcohol stores — including one inside an Aramco compound — as the kingdom continues to ease decades-old restrictions under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reforms, multiple sources familiar with the plans told Reuters.
According to the sources, one outlet is slated for Dhahran, in the kingdom’s eastern province, where it will serve non-Muslim foreign staff of state oil giant Aramco. A second store is planned for Jeddah to serve diplomats, expanding on last year’s opening of Riyadh’s first alcohol outlet in 73 years. Both new stores are expected to open in 2026, although no official timelines have been released.
Saudi authorities have not publicly commented, and Aramco declined to respond to Reuters’ inquiries.
The Riyadh shop — discreetly located in the diplomatic quarter — recently expanded access to include non-Muslim holders of the Premium Residency programme, offered to major investors, entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals. Until its opening, alcohol was accessible only through diplomatic channels, the black market or home brewing.
While the kingdom maintains a strict ban for its general population, social liberalisation has advanced rapidly. Saudis and foreign residents can now attend concerts, cinemas and sporting events once considered unimaginable. Still, leaders have approached the alcohol question with caution, aware of sensitivities in a nation whose monarch serves as Custodian of Islam’s two holiest sites.
The gradual easing comes as Riyadh seeks to attract global tourism and foreign investment, diversify its economy and prepare for major international events, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Ultra-luxury Red Sea resorts set to open next year remain alcohol-free.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb recently acknowledged that some international visitors expect alcohol access but said: “Nothing has changed yet.” Asked if that could shift soon, he added: “I will leave it to you to elaborate.”
