Saudi Arabia Expands Access to Its Only Alcohol Store, Privileging Wealthy Foreign Residents

Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to its only licensed alcohol outlet in Riyadh's diplomatic district, opening sales beyond non-Muslim diplomats to include non-Muslim expatriates who hold Premium Residency permits.

“Festivalgoers gather near food and beverage stands, including a booth serving nonalcoholic beer, during the Soundstorm music festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec”

Associated Press

Reporting says the outlet opened in January 2024 for diplomats and then began admitting Premium Residency holders without any formal government announcement, a change that became visible when long queues formed outside.

Associated Press

Coverage also notes the topic carries stigma and that some sources spoke anonymously when discussing alcohol in the kingdom.

Coverage consistently reports that Saudi citizens and regular expatriate workers remain barred from buying alcohol, while Premium Residency holders can purchase alcohol but do not receive the same tax exemptions that diplomats do.

Shoppers described the Riyadh outlet as relatively well-stocked overall but with limited beer and wine selections, and several reports also emphasize the store’s high prices and tight security.

Business Standard

Observers place the change in the context of Saudi Arabia's ongoing economic and social reforms.

“Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to its only store that sells alcohol, allowing wealthy foreign residents to buy booze in the latest step in the once-ultraconservative kingdom’s experiment in liberalization”

Firstpost

Munsifdaily describes the move as part of gradual liberalisation.

The New Indian Express situates expanded access within the Premium Residency programme designed to attract global talent, though that programme requires substantial income or investment to qualify.

The historical prohibition on alcohol is repeatedly noted, dating back to the mid-20th century.

Public reaction and practical consequences are mixed.

Reports describe long queues when access to alcohol was widened.

munsifdaily

Many residents still travel to nearby Bahrain or Dubai to drink, or resort to smuggled or homemade alcohol domestically, which some outlets call dangerous.

Alcohol-free drinks and mocktails have gained popularity as social substitutes and social-media props.

The overall picture is of a limited, unequal easing of access: wealthy non-Muslim foreigners with Premium Residency can now buy alcohol under tight controls and prices, while the majority of Saudis and lower-paid expatriates remain excluded.

“RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to its only store that sells alcohol, allowing wealthy foreign residents to buy booze in the latest step in the once-ultraconservative kingdom’s experiment in liberalization”

The New Indian Express

Important gaps remain: no formal government announcement is recorded in the reporting and one source (Business Standard) provided no readable text, leaving ambiguity about whether this is a permanent policy shift or a narrow, discretionary accommodation.

The New Indian Express