Overview
- Non-Muslim holders of Saudi Premium Residency have recently been allowed to buy alcohol at the Riyadh diplomats' store, according to multiple sources.
- People briefed on the plans say two additional outlets are being prepared: one inside Aramco’s Dhahran compound for non-Muslim staff and another for diplomats in Jeddah.
- The new sites are described as targeting openings in 2026, with no official timelines and no regulatory change announced.
- Saudi authorities have not commented on the reports, and the tourism minister said this month that nothing has changed yet.
- The national ban remains in force for nearly all residents, and the limited access is framed as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader economic and social liberalisation drive.