Story perspectives

Saudi Arabia Expands Alcohol Access to Wealthy Foreigners

12/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia expanded access to its only alcohol store, allowing wealthy foreign residents to purchase alcohol.
The discreet store sits in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter.
The store opened in January 2024 for non-Muslim diplomats.
It now permits non-Muslim Premium Residency holders to buy alcohol.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia) aims to attract tourism and reduce reliance on oil, while political dissent remains heavily restricted.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia expanded access to its only alcohol store, allowing wealthy foreign residents to purchase alcohol.
The discreet store sits in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter.
The store opened in January 2024 for non-Muslim diplomats.
It now permits non-Muslim Premium Residency holders to buy alcohol.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia) aims to attract tourism and reduce reliance on oil, while political dissent remains heavily restricted.