Saudi Ends 70-Year Alcohol Ban! Riyadh Store Targets Elites

From Taboo to Vision: The Strategic Shift in Saudi Arabia's Alcohol Policy

According to media reports, Saudi Arabia is gradually easing its 70-year-old alcohol ban, allowing non-Muslim expatriates with specific financial standing and status to legally purchase alcoholic beverages. The BBC confirmed that a discreet specialty store has opened in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter. Initially restricted to diplomats, access has now expanded to high-income expatriate elites and professionals holding Premium Residency status.

A Historical Turn After Seventy Years

Since King Ibn Saud enacted the ban in 1952, alcohol has been strictly restricted under Islamic law and conservative social norms. This unbranded shop, hidden within the Diplomatic Quarter, symbolizes a cautious shift in the country's social regulations. The store implements strict controls and security audits; in addition to basic eligibility checks, photography and mobile phones are strictly prohibited to maintain privacy and avoid sensitive social triggers.

Targeting Global Elites and the Vision 2030 Mission

Currently, eligibility for purchase is primarily vetted based on Premium Residency status and income levels, aiming to attract top global professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. This change is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, which aims to reduce oil dependency through social liberalization and economic diversification, while attracting international talent by developing tourism and optimizing the living environment.

This policy adjustment reflects Saudi Arabia's pragmatic balance between maintaining traditional cultural values and enhancing international competitiveness. Following the granting of driving rights to women and the introduction of large-scale entertainment events, the moderate relaxation of alcohol restrictions demonstrates the kingdom's commitment to internationalization, creating a friendlier environment for global business exchange under the Vision 2030 framework.

📅 Release Date: 2026-02-11

🔗 Source: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/has-saudi-arabia-started-selling-alcohol/