Saudi Arabia has been “dry” for decades—at least officially. In this episode, we explore a quiet shift inside the kingdom’s alcohol prohibition: an unmarked liquor store in Riyadh that once served only diplomats is now discreetly selling bottles to a select group of wealthy, non-Muslim foreign residents. It’s a small change with big implications. As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pushes rapid social and economic reforms to attract global talent and boost tourism, this controlled access—complete with a dual-pricing system—hints at a broader softening of the ban. Yet the government maintains silence, relying on its signature strategy of incremental, deniable change to avoid angering conservatives. With major international events on the horizon, is Saudi Arabia preparing for a future where alcohol quietly, cautiously, becomes part of the landscape?

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-alcohol-riyadh-store.html