RIYADH —Reuters: Saudi Arabia alcohol reforms are undergoing a major shift as the kingdom prepares to open two new alcohol stores, including one inside a secure Aramco compound and another for diplomats in Jeddah.

The changes come after the kingdom quietly opened its first alcohol shop in Riyadh last year — a move widely seen as the beginning of a more flexible Saudi Arabia alcohol policy. The small store, located in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, serves only non-Muslim diplomats. Its opening ended a 73-year ban and showed that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reform drive is now touching some of the country’s most sensitive cultural issues.

One source said the Dhahran store will be set up inside a secure Aramco residential compound, where non-Muslim foreign employees of the oil giant will be able to legally buy alcohol. Another outlet is planned for Jeddah, this one serving only non-Muslim diplomats based in the city.

Both stores are expected to open in 2026, although officials have not announced any formal timeline. The Saudi government did not comment on the plans, and Aramco also declined to respond.

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Sources added that the Riyadh shop, which opened last year, recently widened its access to include non-Muslim holders of Saudi Premium Residency — a group made up of major investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. Before the Riyadh store opened, alcohol in Saudi Arabia was mostly accessible through diplomatic channels, private black markets, or homemade alternatives.

Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has introduced major social changes designed to attract tourists, global investors, and skilled professionals as part of its plan to diversify the economy beyond oil and new Saudi Arabia alcohol policy shift is the part of these social reforms.

In today’s Saudi Arabia, things like concerts, mixed-gender events, and movie nights, which were once considered impossible, are now routine. The country has relaxed guardianship laws, let women take the wheel, and curbed the influence of the religious police. Yet alcohol remains a sensitive matter. Even as many social rules change quickly, the leadership is moving much more slowly and carefully on anything related to alcohol.

Earlier this year, a report claimed that Saudi Arabia might start allowing alcohol sales at tourist resorts ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Officials quickly denied it, saying no such policy was being considered.

Tourism Push Continues — But High-End Resorts Stay Alcohol-Free

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in tourism, including the Red Sea Global project, which plans to open 17 new luxury hotels by May. But despite the scale and luxury of these developments, all of the resorts remain completely alcohol-free.

When asked recently whether the rules might eventually change to better serve international visitors, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said there had been no decision so far — though he didn’t close the door on future discussions.
“We know some global tourists expect alcohol when they travel… but nothing has changed yet,” he said.