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Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to its only alcohol store, allowing wealthy foreign residents to buy liquor as part of the kingdom’s ongoing liberalization efforts.
The unmarked store in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, which opened in January 2024 exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats, now welcomes non-Muslim foreigners who hold Premium Residency permits. These permits are granted to foreigners with specialized skills, investors, and entrepreneurs who meet high income or investment thresholds.
Despite the absence of any official announcement, word has spread quickly. Long lines of cars and people can now be seen outside the discreet location, signaling strong demand for a product that has been banned in the kingdom since the early 1950s.
The store’s operations remain shrouded in secrecy. Security measures are stringent, with all visitors subject to eligibility checks and physical searches before entry. Electronic devices, including phones and cameras, are prohibited inside, and staff even inspect eyeglasses for hidden recording capabilities.
Several customers who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press described the store as relatively well-stocked, though some mentioned limited selections of beer and wine. Prices are notably inflated, particularly for Premium Residency holders who, unlike diplomats, are not exempt from taxes on their purchases.
This cautious foray into alcohol sales represents another step in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s dramatic transformation of Saudi society. Under his leadership and that of his father, King Salman, the kingdom has implemented sweeping social reforms aimed at attracting tourism, boosting international business, and diversifying an economy traditionally dependent on oil exports.
Recent years have seen the opening of movie theaters, the lifting of the ban on women driving, and the hosting of major international music festivals and sporting events. These changes mark significant departures from the kingdom’s historically ultraconservative stance.
However, the liberalization has clear boundaries. Political speech and dissent remain strictly criminalized, potentially carrying the death penalty. And while alcohol access is expanding for certain privileged foreigners, it remains completely prohibited for the general public and Saudi citizens, in keeping with the kingdom’s adherence to Islamic Sharia law.
The Premium Residency program itself is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic vision. Unlike traditional residency permits, it doesn’t require a Saudi sponsor and offers significant benefits including property ownership rights, business opportunities, and family sponsorship privileges.
Before this development, Saudis and residents seeking alcohol typically traveled to neighboring Bahrain, where it is legally available to all adults regardless of religion. Weekends and holidays bring a surge of visitors from Saudi Arabia to the island nation, making it a popular regional getaway. Others opt for trips to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, though this represents a more expensive alternative.
Some residents resort to smuggled alcohol, which commands extremely high prices on the black market, or dangerous homemade alternatives often produced using unsafe materials and methods.
The prohibition of alcohol in Saudi Arabia dates back to 1951, following a tragic incident in which Prince Mishari, son of founding monarch King Abdulaziz, killed British vice consul Cyril Ousman in Jeddah while intoxicated with a shotgun.
The controlled introduction of alcohol sales, even on such a limited basis, signals the pragmatic approach Saudi authorities are taking toward modernization while attempting to balance religious sensitivities and cultural traditions that have defined the kingdom for generations.
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7 Comments
The high demand indicated by the long lines suggests there is pent-up desire for alcohol access, even if it’s limited to a select group. This could spur further policy changes down the line.
This is an interesting development in Saudi Arabia’s gradual liberalization efforts. Expanding access to alcohol, even if limited, signals a shift in the country’s social policies.
This move seems aimed at attracting foreign talent and investment, while still maintaining Saudi Arabia’s conservative social framework. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
The secrecy and security measures around this store suggest it’s still a sensitive issue. I wonder how this will be received by more conservative segments of the Saudi population.
You’re right, this is likely a cautious and gradual approach to alcohol sales, balancing social changes with maintaining traditional norms.
The secrecy and stringent security measures around this store underscore the delicate nature of this issue in Saudi society. Gradual steps seem to be the approach for now.
It will be fascinating to see if this leads to further relaxation of alcohol restrictions in Saudi Arabia over time, or if it remains a niche privilege for certain foreign residents.