Saudi Arabia set to open first alcohol store for diplomats in Riyadh: Report

Saudi Arabia is set to open its first liquor store in the capital city of Riyadh, catering exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats, according to Reuters, citing a source familiar with the initiative and a document disclosed on Wednesday. To make purchases at the establishment, customers must register through a mobile app, obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly quotas, added the report. This development marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s endeavors, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to facilitate tourism and business in the traditionally conservative Muslim nation, where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in adherence to Islamic principles. The initiative aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil dependence. The new liquor store is situated in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, an area predominantly housing embassies and diplomatic residences, and will be “strictly restricted” to non-Muslims, as outlined in the document. The accessibility of the store to other non-Muslim expatriates remains unclear. While Saudi Arabia is home to millions of expatriates, the majority are Muslim workers from Asia and Egypt. The store is expected to open in the coming weeks, said the report, citing a source familiar with the plans. Saudi Arabia has strict laws against drinking alcohol which can be punishable by hundreds of lashes, deportation, fines, or imprisonment and expatriates also face deportation. As part of the reforms, whipping has largely been replaced by jail sentences. Alcohol has been available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market. The Saudi government did not respond to a request for comment, according to Reuters. State-controlled media reported this week that the government was imposing new restrictions on alcohol imports within the diplomatic consignments, which may boost demand for the new store. The new regulation will curb imports to counter “improper exchange of special goods and alcoholic beverages received by the embassies of non-Muslim countries inside Saudi Arabia,” Reuters quoted Arab News daily on Sunday. Saudi Arabia, which was relatively closed off for decades, has in recent years relaxed strict social codes, such as segregating men and women in public places and requiring women to wear all-covering black robes, or abayas. Prince Mohammed’s tightening grip on power has been accompanied by changes which included opening the country for non-religious tourism, concerts and allowing women to drive, as well as a crackdown on dissent and political rivals. Vision 2030 also includes developing local industries and logistics hubs, and aims at adding hundreds of thousands of jobs for Saudi nationals. With inputs from agencies