Saudi Arabia quietly expands access to its only alcohol store for non-Muslim residents – Winnipeg Free Press

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to its only liquor store, allowing wealthy foreign residents to buy booze, the latest step in the once ultra-conservative kingdom's liberalization experiment.

There was no official announcement of the decision, but word has spread and long lines of cars and people can now be seen outside the modest, unmarked store in the diplomatic quarter of the Saudi capital Riyadh.

The store opened in January 2024 to non-Muslim diplomats. The new rules allow non-Muslim foreigners with a premium residence permit to buy real estate. Residence permits are issued to foreigners with special skills, investors and entrepreneurs.

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest sites, has banned alcohol since the early 1950s. The store is seen by many as a way to discreetly test controlled alcohol sales.

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his father King Salman are pursuing a sweeping liberalization policy in the kingdom, aiming to attract tourism, boost international business and reduce economic dependence on crude oil.

The kingdom, which adheres to Islamic Sharia law, operates cinemas, allows women to drive and hosts major music festivals. But political speech and dissent are still heavily criminalized, possibly carrying the death penalty.

Alcohol is still prohibited for the general public.

The unmarked store resembles a duty free shop. Its ownership remains officially undisclosed.

Security is strict. Each visitor is subject to a compliance check and search prior to entry. Phones and cameras are prohibited inside, and staff even check for smart glasses.

The Associated Press spoke with several shoppers leaving the store. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the stigma around alcohol.

According to them, prices are sharply inflated. Diplomats are exempt from taxes on their purchases, but Premium Residents are not.

Customers described the store as relatively well stocked, although some said the beer and wine selection was limited.

The premium residency permit was created as part of the kingdom's bid to attract talent from around the world. Unlike other residences, it does not require a Saudi sponsor and offers benefits such as the right to own property, start a business and sponsor a family. High income or large investment is required to qualify.

Saudis and others looking to drink often travel to the neighboring island of Bahrain, where alcohol is legally available to Muslims and non-Muslims. On weekends and holidays, the island receives many visitors from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries, making it a popular holiday destination. A more expensive option is to travel to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Others resort to bootleg alcohol, which can be extremely expensive, or bootleg booze—often homemade and risky, using unsafe materials.

Some people in Saudi Arabia enjoy soft drinks as a substitute for real drinks or to convey the aesthetic of drinking, often taking photos for social media. At large events and festivals, it is not uncommon to see long queues at non-alcoholic beer stalls, especially among young Saudis and visitors wanting to partake in the atmosphere.

King Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia's founding monarch, banned the sale after a 1951 incident in which one of his sons, Prince Mishari, while intoxicated, killed British Vice-Consul Cyril Usman in Jeddah with a shotgun.