Saudi Arabia is planning to open two new alcohol stores as part of a cautious easing of restrictions, sources told Reuters. One store is expected inside an Aramco compound in Dhahran, specifically for non-Muslim Aramco staff. Another outlet is planned in Jeddah to serve diplomats. Both locations could open in 2026, though officials have not confirmed an exact timeline.
According to sources, Saudi Arabia is preparing to open two new alcohol stores as part of a cautious easing of restrictions, sources told Reuters. One outlet is planned inside an Aramco compound in Dhahran for non-Muslim Aramco staff, while another is expected to serve diplomats in Jeddah. Both could open in 2026, though no official timeline has been announced.
The planned expansion follows the kingdom’s first modern liquor store, which opened in Riyadh in 2024 for diplomats. Access to that store has quietly extended to non-Muslim Premium Residency holders. Several of these residents told AFP they had recently purchased alcohol from the Riyadh store.
Saudi authorities have not made any public comments regarding the new stores. Alcohol remains strictly banned for the general population. Analysts say the limited expansion reflects the government’s careful approach to social reforms, balancing modernization with cultural and religious norms.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman continues to pursue social and economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and tourism. The new stores could be seen as part of this broader strategy, giving non-Muslims limited access to alcohol while maintaining the ban for the majority of citizens.
Observers note that Saudi Arabia is preparing to open two new alcohol stores as part of a cautious easing of restrictions, sources told Reuters. One outlet is planned inside an Aramco compound in Dhahran for non-Muslim Aramco staff, while another is expected to serve diplomats in Jeddah. Both could open in 2026, though no official timeline has been announced. This cautious approach highlights the kingdom’s efforts to modernize while respecting local traditions.
In summary, the upcoming stores signal a careful step toward social openness, with limited access for specific groups. Authorities continue to balance modernization with cultural sensitivities.
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