In a highly significant move signaling a broader relaxation of previously strict social controls, Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning to open two additional alcohol stores by 2026 — one in Dhahran and another in Jeddah — a development that underscores how Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 continues to reshape the kingdom’s cultural and economic landscape.
New Alcohol Stores: The What and Where
According to sources briefed by Reuters, one of the planned stores will be located inside an Aramco residential compound in Dhahran, reserved for non-Muslim foreign employees working for the state oil company.
The second new outlet is slated for Jeddah, but this one will cater exclusively to foreign diplomats.
Together, these two new stores will follow the kingdom’s first controlled-access liquor store — the so-called “booze bunker” in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. That Riyadh outlet opened in 2024 and was initially restricted to non-Muslim diplomats. More recently, its customer base expanded to include non-Muslim Saudi Premium Residency holders.
Why It Matters: A Turning Point in Saudi Policy
This expansion is more than just a business decision — it reflects a gradual but real social transformation. Saudi Arabia has long maintained a strict ban on alcohol, rooted in religious tradition. But the steps under discussion are part of broader reforms championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has repeatedly emphasized his ambition to modernize the kingdom, attract investment, and diversify the economy beyond oil.
The addition of two more regulated liquor stores is emblematic of that vision: it balances economic pragmatism (serving expats, diplomats, and high-skilled foreign workers) with political caution (limiting access and maintaining controls).
How the Stores Will Likely Operate
While precise operational details remain unconfirmed, sources say the Dhahran store will be inside Aramco’s housing compound. This means access likely will be limited to those living and working within that closed community.
Meanwhile, the Jeddah outlet for diplomats reflects how alcohol in Saudi Arabia has historically been tightly regulated. At the Riyadh store, for example, customers had to register via a Diplo app, get clearance through the Foreign Ministry, and respect strict monthly purchase quotas.
Under this system, a “points” mechanism is used: a liter of spirits counts for more points than a liter of wine or beer.
There are also rules about store behavior — phones may need to be stored in pouches while shopping, and there are age and dress code restrictions.
Although there is no official government announcement setting fixed dates, the two new stores are expected to open in 2026, according to sources.
The Broader Strategic Picture
These developments come as part of a multi-layered strategy:
1. Economic Diversification
By creating carefully regulated access to alcohol, Saudi Arabia may be making the kingdom more attractive to foreign experts, expatriates, and diplomats — all vital to economic growth and knowledge transfer.
2. Tourism Ambitions
Alongside alcohol reforms, Saudi Arabia has announced plans to lift its booze ban in about 600 tourist locations by 2026, including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and tourist hubs.
3. Social Reform Under Vision 2030
The move fits into a wider tapestry of socio-cultural liberalization: cinemas are more common, women drive freely now, and mixed-gender events are increasingly normalized.
4. Regulation Over Black Market
Historically, alcohol in Saudi Arabia has existed in a legal grey market — diplomats sometimes imported liquor and there were accusations of resale. The controlled stores are seen as a way for the state to bring this activity into a regulated space.
Potential Risks & Reactions
Public Backlash: Even though the stores are limited to very specific groups, liberalizing alcohol touches on deep cultural and religious sensitivities.
Regulation Challenges: Maintaining strict oversight (apps, quotas, restricted access) will be crucial.
International Image vs Local Norms: While the move may boost Saudi Arabia’s image globally, some conservative segments within the country might view this as a compromise of traditional Islamic values.
Black Market Pressures: If demand outweighs supply or regulation becomes lax, there’s a risk of illicit trade re-emerging.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Shift, Not a Free-for-All
The reported plan to open alcohol stores in Dhahran (for Aramco’s non-Muslim foreign staff) and Jeddah (for diplomats) by 2026 marks one of the boldest social shifts Saudi Arabia has made in decades. It’s not a blanket liberalization — rather, it’s carefully calibrated to serve specific foreign communities while maintaining tight regulatory control.
This is emblematic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader reform agenda: social modernization, economic diversification, and pragmatism tempered by tradition. As Saudi Arabia opens up, these new stores could serve as both symbolic milestones and practical hubs for controlled, legal alcohol access — signaling that the kingdom is evolving, but on its own terms.
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