Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to its only alcohol shop in Riyadh, allowing non-Muslim holders of Premium Residency to purchase alcohol under strict controls. The discreet outlet, opened for diplomats in January 2024, enforces eligibility checks, bans phones and carries high prices. Observers view the move as a cautious test amid broader reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while alcohol remains prohibited for the general public and political dissent is tightly restricted.
Saudi Arabia Expands Access to Its Only Alcohol Shop, Letting Premium Residents Buy in a Controlled Test
Festivalgoers gather near food and beverage stands, including a booth serving nonalcoholic beer, during the Soundstorm music festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer)
Saudi Arabia has quietly broadened access to its sole store that sells alcohol, now allowing non-Muslim holders of the kingdom’s Premium Residency permit to purchase at the discreet, unmarked outlet in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.
What Changed
The shop, which opened in January 2024 originally for non-Muslim diplomats, is reported to have begun admitting wealthy foreign residents who hold Premium Residency. There was no formal public announcement; the change became known through customer reports and media coverage. Long lines of cars and people have been observed outside the location.
Strict Controls And Limited Selection
The store is widely described as resembling a duty-free outlet, though its official ownership has not been disclosed. Security is tight: visitors undergo eligibility checks and frisking before entry, phones and cameras are banned inside, and staff reportedly inspect eyewear for smart-glass features. Customers who spoke to the Associated Press asked to remain anonymous because of the stigma surrounding alcohol.
Customers said prices were sharply elevated, and while diplomats are typically exempt from taxes, Premium Residency holders are not. Shoppers described the inventory as reasonably well-stocked overall but said the beer and wine selection was somewhat limited.
Context: Liberalization and Limits
The move is widely read as a cautious, tightly controlled experiment in a nation that has prohibited alcohol since the early 1950s. It comes amid broader social and economic reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman designed to attract tourists, international business and investment — measures that have included opening movie theaters, allowing women to drive and hosting large music events.
At the same time, political dissent and critical speech remain strongly restricted in Saudi Arabia, with severe penalties for some offenses. Alcohol remains banned for the general public.
Why Premium Residency Matters
The Premium Residency permit — aimed at foreigners with specialized skills, investors and entrepreneurs — does not require a Saudi sponsor and grants benefits such as the right to buy property, start a business and sponsor family members. It is available to those who meet high-income or large-investment thresholds.
Alternatives And Risks
Many Saudis and residents who seek alcohol still travel to nearby Bahrain, where alcohol is legally available to Muslims and non-Muslims, or to Dubai — both popular weekend or holiday destinations. Others rely on smuggled alcohol or illicitly produced spirits, which can be extremely expensive and carry health risks. Inside Saudi Arabia, alcohol-free beers and beverages have become a visible substitute at festivals and social gatherings.
Historical Note
The prohibition on alcohol in Saudi Arabia traces back decades. According to historical accounts, King Abdulaziz banned the sale of alcohol after a 1951 incident in which Prince Mishari became intoxicated and fatally shot British vice consul Cyril Ousman in Jeddah.
Reporting note: Details in this piece are based on reporting by the Associated Press and on publicly available descriptions of the Premium Residency program.
