Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has quietly widened access to its only licensed alcohol store, extending purchasing rights beyond non Muslim diplomats to a small group of wealthy foreign residents. The change applies to non Muslim holders of the Premium Residency permit, a status granted to investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals with specialized skills.
Authorities have issued no public statement. Still, the shift has become widely known. Long queues of vehicles and visitors now appear outside the discreet, unmarked outlet located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.
The store first opened in January 2024 and marked a rare departure from the kingdom’s long standing ban on alcohol, enforced since the early 1950s. Officials view the outlet as a tightly controlled test of limited alcohol sales under strict supervision. Alcohol remains prohibited for the wider public.
Security measures are strict. Staff verify eligibility, conduct frisking, and bar phones, cameras, and smart devices. The store resembles a duty free outlet. Ownership details remain undisclosed.
Customers described high prices. Diplomats receive tax exemptions, while Premium Residency holders do not. Stock levels appear stable, though some visitors noted a narrow range of beer and wine options. All spoke anonymously due to social stigma.
The Premium Residency program forms part of broader economic reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman. The initiative seeks to attract global talent, increase investment, and reduce reliance on oil revenues. The permit allows property ownership, business formation, and family sponsorship without a local sponsor.
Saudi Arabia continues to follow Islamic Sharia law. While social changes include cinemas, women driving, and major entertainment events, political dissent remains criminalized. Many residents seeking alcohol still travel to Bahrain or Dubai, or turn to unsafe bootleg alternatives.
