CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Saudi Arabia Plans Two More Alcohol Outlets — One Inside Aramco Compound, Sources Say

Saudi Arabia plans two additional alcohol outlets — one for non-Muslim Aramco staff in Dhahran and another for diplomats in Jeddah — with openings expected in 2026. These steps follow last year’s Riyadh diplomatic shop, the first since a 73-year ban, and an expansion allowing non-Muslim Premium Residency holders to buy there. No formal regulatory change has been announced; officials say alcohol policy will be handled cautiously amid broader economic and social reforms.

11:36 PM, 11/24/2025Society
Saudi Arabia Plans Two More Alcohol Outlets — One Inside Aramco Compound, Sources Say

By Timour Azhari and Maha El Dahan

Saudi authorities are planning to open two additional alcohol outlets: one inside a compound owned by state oil company Aramco in Dhahran for non-Muslim employees, and another serving diplomats in the port city of Jeddah, according to people briefed on the plans. Both outlets are expected to open in 2026, though no official launch dates or regulatory changes have been announced.

The moves follow last year’s opening of a diplomatic alcohol shop in Riyadh — the first publicly known outlet since a wartime ban was imposed 73 years ago. That Riyadh store recently expanded its customer base to include non-Muslim holders of Saudi Premium Residency, a status granted to entrepreneurs, major investors and people with special talents.

Before the Riyadh shop opened, alcoholic beverages in the kingdom were mainly available via diplomatic mail, the black market or home brewing. Officials have not issued a formal change to national alcohol regulations, and Aramco declined to comment on the reported Dhahran plan. The government media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Wider context

The proposals sit within a broader, gradual opening of Saudi society under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Recent years have seen a number of social reforms — from allowing public concerts and cinemas to permitting women to drive and curbing the powers of the religious police — aimed at attracting tourists and foreign investment as the kingdom diversifies its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia has rapidly expanded its tourism projects, including the Red Sea development, which plans dozens of new hotels. However, many ultra-luxury resorts in those projects currently remain dry.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said authorities understand that some international travellers wish to consume alcohol when visiting Saudi destinations, but added: "Nothing has changed yet." When pressed whether that "yet" implied a possible future change, he replied: "I will leave it to you on how to elaborate on it."

Officials and sources say the leadership is taking a cautious, gradual approach to alcohol policy as social liberalization proceeds at a brisk pace in other areas.

Similar Articles

Trending