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Saudi Arabia to Open Two Alcohol Stores by 2026

11/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia plans to open two new alcohol stores in 2026: one in Dhahran for non-Muslim Aramco employees and one in Jeddah for non-Muslim diplomats.
The move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reforms to modernize the kingdom and attract foreign talent.
It follows the 2024 opening of Riyadh’s first alcohol shop, which began serving diplomats and later allowed Premium Residency holders to buy alcohol.

History

Historical Context

Launched on April 25, 2016, Saudi Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and reduce oil dependency, a goal rooted in the kingdom's long-standing reliance on oil, which constituted 43% of GDP. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reforms have included allowing women to drive and promoting tourism, reflecting a significant cultural shift to attract foreign investment and reshape societal norms.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia plans to open two new alcohol stores in 2026: one in Dhahran for non-Muslim Aramco employees and one in Jeddah for non-Muslim diplomats.
The move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reforms to modernize the kingdom and attract foreign talent.
It follows the 2024 opening of Riyadh’s first alcohol shop, which began serving diplomats and later allowed Premium Residency holders to buy alcohol.

1 / 2