Saudi Arabia Plans Major Easing of Alcohol Restrictions Under Vision 2030, New Stores for Expats and Diplomats

Riyadh, 25 November 2025:
Saudi Arabia — the birthplace of Islam and one of the world’s most conservative nations — is preparing for another major policy shift. The kingdom is reportedly planning to open new alcohol stores for non-Muslim foreigners, marking a significant relaxation of decades-old prohibitions under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030 reforms.

According to sources quoted by Reuters, one store will be opened inside the Aramco residential compound in Dhahran for non-Muslim foreign employees, while another outlet is being set up in Jeddah, where several foreign consulates are located. These stores will serve only expatriates and diplomatic officials.

A Historic Shift After 73 Years

Saudi Arabia imposed a nationwide ban on alcohol 73 years ago. However, in 2024, the kingdom opened its first controlled alcohol outlet in Riyadh exclusively for foreign diplomats — a move that signaled the beginning of broader social and cultural changes.

The proposed new stores reinforce Crown Prince MBS’s objective of modernizing the country, diversifying the economy, and reducing dependence on oil revenue. Expanding entertainment and tourism infrastructure is central to this strategy, especially as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Alcohol Remains Forbidden for Saudi Citizens

Despite the proposed changes, alcohol consumption for the general population — especially Muslims — remains strictly prohibited (haram) under Islamic law. Only diplomats and non-Muslim foreigners will be allowed to access the controlled facilities.

Saudi Arabia’s government media office did not respond to inquiries regarding the new store plans, and Aramco declined to comment.

A Wider Social Liberalization Drive

The easing of alcohol restrictions is part of a broader cultural shift in the kingdom. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has:

• lifted bans on cinemas,
• permitted concerts and dance performances,
• expanded visa permissions for tourists,
• and promoted international business participation.

These changes have been welcomed by global investors and tourists but have also sparked criticism from conservative religious groups inside the country.

Why the Policy Is Significant

For decades, alcohol in Gulf countries has been available only under strict regulations, often limited to hotels or foreign compounds. Saudi Arabia’s new move reflects its intent to:

• attract millions of international visitors,
• support a growing expatriate workforce,
• and reshape its global image ahead of major international events.

As Vision 2030 progresses, the kingdom continues to balance its conservative identity with rapid modernization — a transformation closely watched by the entire world.