Saudi Arabia expands access to country’s only liquor store

The store, devoid of any signage, opened in January 2024 and exclusively served diplomats from non-Muslim countries. Now non-Islamic foreigners who have a premium residence permit have the right to purchase alcohol.

The program is intended for wealthy foreigners, investors and holders of valuable professions, giving the right to live, work and own a business without the need for sponsorship, that is, the kafala system, which places the worker under the control of the employer.

The main shrines of Islam are located on the territory of the kingdom and Sharia law applies. Alcohol was banned in Saudi Arabia in the 1950s, but the country’s first liquor store opened as part of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s top-down liberalization policy.

According to media publications, two more stores selling alcohol should open soon. One of them, intended for non-Muslim foreigners working for Aramco, will be located in the eastern city of Dhahran, the second in Jeddah.