Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is set to open two government-sanctioned alcohol stores by 2026, one inside the Saudi Aramco compound in Dhahran for foreign employees and another in Jeddah for diplomats, sources told Reuters. This move marks a cautious easing of the kingdom’s 73-year alcohol ban under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reforms.

The stores will operate under strict controls with registration and purchase limits, following the opening of the first alcohol outlet in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter earlier in 2025, which now also serves non-Muslim holders of Saudi Premium Residency. The premium residency program targets high-income foreign workers and investors, reflecting the kingdom’s efforts to increase foreign talent attraction while maintaining tight regulation.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb acknowledged growing interest from international visitors regarding alcohol access but indicated no official policy changes yet. “We do understand that some of the international travellers want to enjoy alcohol when they visit the Saudi destinations, but nothing has changed yet,” he said. When asked about future changes, he added, “I will leave it to you on how to elaborate on it.”

Saudi Arabia banned alcohol in 1952 following a violent incident, and the nation has maintained strict social controls since. Recent reforms have included allowing women to drive, opening cinemas and curbing religious police powers, all aimed at diversifying the economy and boosting tourism to 150 million visitors annually under Vision 2030.