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Saudi Arabia is set to open two new alcohol stores aimed at non-Muslim foreigners, according to sources familiar with the plans. The new outlets will be located in the eastern province of Dhahran and the port city of Jeddah. This move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's broader efforts to liberalise the kingdom's strict regulations.

 

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, made waves last year by opening its first alcohol store in Riyadh after a 73-year ban. The Riyadh outlet primarily serves non-Muslim diplomats and has reportedly expanded its customer base to include holders of Saudi Premium Residency. The upcoming store in Dhahran will reportedly be within an Aramco compound, accessible to non-Muslims working there. A second shop is planned for diplomats in Jeddah, further signalling Saudi Arabia's intent to modernise its policies.

 

Despite the easing restrictions, alcohol remains largely inaccessible for most of the Saudi population. The Saudi government has been making strides toward social reforms, such as permitting cinemas and allowing women to drive, to boost tourism and diversify its economy beyond oil dependency. Although Aramco and the government have not made any official comments, the potential opening of new alcohol stores aligns with these ongoing reforms.

 

Looking forward, both stores are slated to open in 2026, though specific timelines remain undisclosed. The Saudi government continues to explore ways to attract global tourists, including hosting major international events. However, alcohol sales in tourist areas remain a cautiously approached topic, with no current confirmation of changes to existing policies, reported Reuters.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Saudi Arabia plans to open two alcohol stores in Dhahran and Jeddah by 2026.
• The stores signal a shift in Saudi regulations, targeting non-Muslim foreigners.
• No official comment has been made by the government or Aramco on the planned openings.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Reuters 2025-11-25

 

 

 

An off topic message about alcohol sales regulations was removed. Please debate the topic. Thank you. 

"Despite the easing restrictions, alcohol remains largely inaccessible for most of the Saudi population"

 

This is true, but it is available for the right price in KSA!

While Thailand is considering restricting! 

During the first Gulf War I remember on a visit to Riyadh how the various Saudi escort officers were only too happy to join us for drinks at the Oz Embassy. Knocking back the scotch.

Wet is the new dry !

So, is this the start of the elimination of fake puritanism over there? 

When I was based in Riyadh from 1980-1984 we were left alone to brew and drink wine as long as we did so within our own house or compound. On Fridays we would head for the desert where we would enjoy wine-fuelled parties. If, however, we were ever caught drinking publicly in towns or cities we would be in big trouble.

4 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

When I was based in Riyadh from 1980-1984 we were left alone to brew and drink wine as long as we did so within our own house or compound. On Fridays we would head for the desert where we would enjoy wine-fuelled parties. If, however, we were ever caught drinking publicly in towns or cities we would be in big trouble.

Similar in Dhahran about the same time.

A certain oil company (sic) even offered a booklet called "The Blue Flame" which taught you how to make and operate a still without blowing your company house up. 🤔

Officially of course, they did no such thing!😉

On 11/25/2025 at 4:08 PM, webfact said:

Saudi Arabia is set to open two new alcohol stores aimed at non-Muslim foreigners

I worked offshore Saudi Arabia for a couple of years. 

We'd stay in the Mercure, Dammam, night before chopper. Order a steak, no bloody wine list, 5 star hotel 😡

 

Difficult for an Aussie to accept, flew in Saudi day before chopper (crew change) , flew out Saudi night after crew change. 

 

Sadly, both these days you want a beer or red wine.

 

Glad to see common sense. 🍺

 

17 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I worked offshore Saudi Arabia for a couple of years. 

We'd stay in the Mercure, Dammam, night before chopper. Order a steak, no bloody wine list, 5 star hotel 😡

 

Difficult for an Aussie to accept, flew in Saudi day before chopper (crew change) , flew out Saudi night after crew change. 

 

Sadly, both these days you want a beer or red wine.

 

Glad to see common sense. 🍺

 

No restrictions the day  before going offshore? We had zero tolerance of alchohol the day before going out 

11 minutes ago, Hummin said:

No restrictions the day  before going offshore? We had zero tolerance of alchohol the day before going out 

No restrictions day before, just a morning test.

 

Vung Tau we had a night toolpusher blow the breath test, morning crew change, at the helipad.

 

Ha ha, it's not possible to drill without a night pusher. 

Sadly, the on board pusher had to stay on the rig, wait for his back to back arrive 

4 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

No restrictions day before, just a morning test.

 

Vung Tau we had a night toolpusher blow the breath test, morning crew change, at the helipad.

 

Ha ha, it's not possible to drill without a night pusher. 

Sadly, the on board pusher had to stay on the rig, wait for his back to back arrive 

We even had drug test coming back onshore when working for Esso. 

The rich Saudi cowboys cross over to Bahrain for the weekends and for Ramadan.

3 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

The rich Saudi cowboys cross over to Bahrain for the weekends and for Ramadan.

I've travelled across the causeway on a couple of occasions, lots of traffic but worth the wait. 🍺

What could possibly go wrong?