- This development, driven by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marks a significant step in the nation’s endeavors to welcome tourism and business, considering that alcohol consumption is forbidden in Islam
Saudi Arabia is set to inaugurate its inaugural alcohol store in Riyadh, exclusively catering to non-Muslim diplomats.
As per information from a reliable source and a document disclosed to Reuters on Wednesday, customers will need to register via a mobile app, obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly purchase quotas.
This development, driven by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marks a significant step in the nation’s endeavors to welcome tourism and business, considering that alcohol consumption is forbidden in Islam.
The initiative aligns with the broader Vision 2030 plans to diversify the economy beyond oil.
Situated in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, a precinct housing embassies and diplomats, the store will be “strictly restricted” to non-Muslims, as specified in the document.
It remains uncertain whether other non-Muslim expatriates will have access. While millions of expatriates reside in Saudi Arabia, the majority are Muslim workers from Asia and Egypt.
Sources familiar with the plans anticipate the store’s opening in the coming weeks. Saudi Arabia, known for stringent alcohol laws with severe penalties, has historically restricted access to alcohol through diplomatic channels or the black market. The government’s move to limit alcohol imports within diplomatic consignments, as reported in state-controlled media, may contribute to increased demand for the new store.
Despite these changes, Saudi Arabia maintains strict laws against alcohol consumption, with penalties ranging from lashes to deportation and fines. Recent reforms have shifted towards replacing corporal punishment with jail sentences. The evolving landscape also includes relaxed social codes, opening avenues for non-religious tourism, concerts, women driving, and economic diversification initiatives under Vision 2030.
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