RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is preparing to open two additional alcohol stores for non-Muslims, including one inside a compound belonging to state oil giant Aramco, as the kingdom continues to loosen long-standing restrictions, sources familiar with the plans said.
The new outlets, one in the eastern city of Dhahran and another for diplomats in Jeddah, would follow last year's opening of the first alcohol store in Riyadh since a nationwide ban was introduced more than seven decades ago.
Three people briefed on the matter said authorities had informed relevant parties of the planned Dhahran store, which will serve non-Muslim Aramco staff. Two sources said a Jeddah store for non-Muslim diplomats was also under development. Both are expected to open in 2026, though no official timelines have been released.
Saudi Arabia's government media office did not respond to questions about the plans. Aramco declined to comment.
The Riyadh outlet — located in a discreet building in the diplomatic quarter and informally nicknamed the "booze bunker" — recently expanded access to include non-Muslim Saudi Premium Residency holders, two sources said. Before its launch, alcohol in the kingdom was mainly obtained through diplomatic channels, the black market, or home brewing.
The gradual expansion comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's social reforms continue to reshape daily life, from cinemas to mixed-gender events and concerts, even as alcohol remains prohibited for the broader population.
In contrast to Kuwait, most other Gulf states allow alcohol sales under varying restrictions.
Saudi leaders are pushing to expand tourism and attract international businesses as part of plans to diversify the economy away from oil. Speculation earlier this year about permitting alcohol in tourist zones, fuelled by an unverified media report, was swiftly denied by officials but sparked debate in the kingdom, where the king also serves as Custodian of Islam's two holiest sites.
Despite rapid social changes, Saudi officials remain cautious on alcohol policy. The kingdom's flagship tourism projects, including Red Sea Global's luxury resorts, continue to operate without alcohol.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb told Reuters this month that authorities recognise some foreign visitors expect alcohol access but added, "Nothing has changed yet." When asked whether "yet" suggested future reforms, he replied: "I will leave it to you on how to elaborate on it."
