DID Press: Saudi Arabia, continuing its social reforms, plans to open three new stores selling alcoholic beverages exclusively for non-Muslims, including one at an Aramco company camp and another for diplomats in Jeddah.
According to sources cited by Reuters, the initiative is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ongoing social reforms. One of the new stores will be located inside an Aramco camp in Dhahran, serving non-Muslim employees of the company. Two other stores are planned for diplomats, one in eastern Dhahran and another in the port city of Jeddah. The stores are expected to open in 2026, although exact dates have not been announced.
Last year, Riyadh opened its first official alcohol store in over seven decades, exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats, known informally as “Bozbanker.” Recently, the customer base was expanded to include holders of Saudi premium residency permits.
Government officials and Aramco have not commented on the new plans. Previously, alcohol access in Saudi Arabia was mainly via diplomatic mail, unofficial markets, or home distillation. Restrictions for the majority of society remain, though recent social reforms have paved the way for incremental changes.
Saudi Arabia has seen unprecedented social reform in recent years, including allowing women to drive, holding concerts and festivals, and creating mixed-gender public spaces. However, alcohol remains a sensitive issue due to religious concerns and the king’s role as “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.”
Culturally, the kingdom is also expanding its initiatives. The Metropolitan Opera in New York announced a five-year agreement to perform and offer arts education in Saudi Arabia, beginning in the winter holiday season.
While some media speculated about alcohol sales at Saudi tourist centers, officials have denied this. The Saudi Tourism Minister stated: “We know some international tourists want to consume alcohol, but nothing has changed yet.”
Through major tourism projects like the Red Sea Development and preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia aims to become a key economic and tourism hub, balancing modernization with its traditional identity.