Saudi Arabia expands alcohol access for non-Muslim residents

Saudi Arabia is constructing new alcohol outlets in Jeddah and Dammam for non-Muslim residents, continuing its social liberalization efforts. This follows a similar store launch in Riyadh last year, now accessible to non-Muslims with Premium Resid...

By ET Online | Nov 25, 2025, 01.18 PM IST

Saudi Arabia has started building new alcohol outlets in Jeddah and Dammam to serve certain non-Muslim residents, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter. The initiative reflects the kingdom’s continued effort to loosen long-standing social restrictions as part of its broader economic reforms.

The sources told Bloomberg that the stores are under construction in the Red Sea port city and the eastern hub of Dammam. These developments follow the quiet launch of a liquor store in Riyadh last year, which initially catered to foreign diplomats. Bloomberg, referencing the news site Semafor, reported that the store has since extended access to non-Muslims holding Premium Residency permits.

Officials have not publicly commented on the matter.

The move highlights Saudi Arabia's carefully planned move to expand access to alcohol for a select group of foreign residents. The measure is viewed as part of a broader attempt to make the kingdom more appealing to international professionals, a key element of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy beyond oil.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of social reforms under the crown prince’s leadership. These include ending the ban on women driving, easing gender segregation, and permitting entertainment events. Bloomberg noted that the role of religious authorities has continued to decline as the kingdom pursues a balance between modernization and its religious identity.

6 Gulf countries you can visit with GCC's upcoming Schengen-style visa

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The long-awaited unified tourist visa for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been formally approved and will be launched soon. The visa, inspired by the European Schengen model, will let travellers to move across GCC nations under a single travel document.

Here are the countries you can visit, and a complete travel itinerary for each.