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Saudi Arabia Opens Alcohol Store to Wealthy Foreigners

12/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia expanded access to its sole alcohol store, allowing wealthy foreign residents to purchase alcoholic beverages.
The store is located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter.
The store opened for non-Muslim diplomats in January 2024.
The Premium Residency permit facilitates access and does not require a Saudi sponsor.
Despite a general public ban on alcohol, customers must undergo strict security checks to purchase it.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia expanded access to its sole alcohol store, allowing wealthy foreign residents to purchase alcoholic beverages.
The store is located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter.
The store opened for non-Muslim diplomats in January 2024.
The Premium Residency permit facilitates access and does not require a Saudi sponsor.
Despite a general public ban on alcohol, customers must undergo strict security checks to purchase it.