Saudi Arabia’s only official liquor store runs short of supplies because of Iran war bottleneck
Saudi Arabia's only official liquor store, located in Riyadh's diplomatic district, is experiencing shortages due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war. The store, which serves non-Muslim diplomats and wealthy foreign residents, currently has mostly bare shelves with limited high-end or obscure brands available. Shipments from Bahrain and the UAE have been delayed, leading to long queues and frustration among customers.
- ▪The unnamed and unmarked liquor store in Riyadh opened in 2024 to serve non-Muslim diplomats and expanded in 2025 to include wealthy foreign residents.
- ▪Saudi Arabia maintains a national ban on alcohol but permits this single licensed outlet as part of efforts to attract expatriates.
- ▪Supplies of beer, wine, and spirits are low due to shipment delays from Bahrain and the UAE caused by disruptions from the Iran war.
- ▪Customers report long lines, with some leaving work early and tensions occasionally escalating into altercations.
- ▪Plans to open two additional alcohol stores in Jeddah and at Aramco's eastern facilities have not yet been realized, according to sources.
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Saudi Arabia’s only official liquor store runs short of supplies because of Iran war bottleneckSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe shop, which has no name and no sign, is situated in Riyadh's diplomatic district. For now, its shelves are mostly bare, with only expensive or little-known brands on offer.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 02, 2026, 04:00 PMUpdated May 02, 2026, 04:00 PMRIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s only official alcohol shop has run short of supplies ranging from beer and wine to tequila, as the disruption caused by the Iran war has delayed shipments, visitors to the store said.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.