In a significant yet unannounced shift, Saudi Arabia has quietly broadened access to its only legal alcohol store, permitting a new class of wealthy foreign residents to purchase spirits. This move has resulted in lengthy queues and premium prices at the discreet outlet in Riyadh, marking a cautious but notable step in the kingdom's ongoing social and economic transformation.
A Discreet Expansion in the Diplomatic Quarter
The store, an unmarked venue located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, first opened its doors in January 2024 exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats. It has now been expanded to include non-Muslim foreigners who hold a Premium Residency permit. This special residency is granted to individuals with specialised skills, investors, and entrepreneurs as part of the kingdom's drive to attract global talent and capital.
Despite the lack of an official government announcement, news of the expanded access spread rapidly. This has led to long queues of cars and people outside the outlet, which is designed to resemble a duty-free shop. The store's ownership remains officially undisclosed.
Strict Security and Soaring Costs
Access to the store is governed by rigorous security protocols. Every visitor undergoes eligibility checks and frisking before entry. Phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside, with staff even inspecting eyewear for concealed smart glasses.
Customers who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity reported that prices inside are sharply elevated. While diplomats are exempt from taxes on their purchases, Premium Residency holders are not, contributing to the high cost. Patrons described the store as relatively well-stocked, though some noted the selection of beer and wine was limited.
The Broader Context of Liberalisation and Prohibition
This controlled experiment with alcohol sales is the latest in a series of liberalising reforms spearheaded by Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and his father, King Salman. Their Vision 2030 agenda aims to diversify the economy away from oil, attract tourism, and boost international business. The kingdom has already opened cinemas, allowed women to drive, and hosted major music festivals.
However, these social changes exist alongside a strict legal framework. Political dissent remains severely criminalised, and alcohol is still banned for the general Saudi public. The nation, home to Islam's holiest sites, has prohibited alcohol since the early 1950s. The ban was instituted by King Abdulaziz after a 1951 incident where his son, Prince Mishari, shot and killed British vice consul Cyril Ousman in Jeddah while intoxicated.
For most residents, alternatives to the new store remain. Many travel to neighbouring Bahrain or the more expensive Dubai to legally purchase alcohol. Others resort to the risky and costly black market for smuggled or bootleg spirits. Meanwhile, a culture of alcohol-free beverages has flourished, with long lines often seen at non-alcoholic beer stands at festivals, particularly among young Saudis seeking the social aesthetic without breaking the law.
The expansion of the Riyadh store represents a careful balancing act. It is a pragmatic concession to the lifestyles of affluent expatriates deemed crucial to the economy, while maintaining the kingdom's longstanding prohibition for its citizenry. The queues outside its doors are a visible symbol of Saudi Arabia's complex and measured path toward modernisation.
