Inside Saudi Arabia's Exclusive Alcohol Store: A Look at the Kingdom's Liberalization Efforts
Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to its only store that sells alcohol, allowing wealthy foreign residents to purchase alcohol in the kingdom. The store, located in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, was initially opened in January 2024 for non-Muslim diplomats. The recent decision now permits non-Muslim foreigners holding Premium Residency to buy alcohol.
The move is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to cautiously test the controlled sale of alcohol as part of its broader liberalization policy. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman have been driving this policy to attract tourism, boost international business, and reduce economic dependence on oil. While the kingdom has made strides in liberalizing certain aspects, political speech and dissent remain strictly criminalized.
The store, resembling a duty-free shop, enforces strict security measures. Visitors undergo eligibility checks and frisking before entry, and phones and cameras are prohibited inside. Customers leaving the store mentioned that prices are high, with diplomats being exempt from taxes on purchases while Premium Residency holders are not. The store is relatively well-stocked, although some customers noted limited options for beer and wine.
The Premium Residency permit, designed to attract global expertise, offers benefits such as property ownership, business establishment, and family sponsorship without the need for a Saudi sponsor. Saudis and other residents seeking alcohol often travel to neighboring Bahrain or Dubai, where alcohol is legally available. Some resort to smuggled or bootleg alcohol, while others opt for alcohol-free beverages to capture the drinking aesthetic.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's decision to expand access to alcohol sales to wealthy foreign residents through its discreet store in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter is a significant step in the kingdom's ongoing liberalization efforts. The move reflects the country's desire to attract global talent and diversify its economy while cautiously navigating the sensitive issue of alcohol consumption in a predominantly conservative society.