Saudi Arabia is set to open its first liquor store, exclusively serving non-Muslim diplomats, marking a shift in the stringent regulations regarding alcohol in the country.
Two sources revealed the plan to AFP on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
The store, located in Riyadh, will specifically sell alcohol to non-Muslim diplomats, who were previously required to import alcohol through diplomatic pouches.
Customers will need to register via an app, obtain approval from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly quotas.
While situated in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, it remains uncertain whether the store will also serve non-Muslim expatriates.
This development aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to modernize Saudi Arabia’s image and liberalize its strict laws influenced by an ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a relaxation of laws impacting women, such as the lifting of the driving ban.
The country strictly prohibits alcohol under Saudi law, with severe punishments, including public flogging, for violations. Despite this, a black market for alcohol exists, and authorities often overlook home brewing and alcohol consumption in expatriate compounds.
Non-alcoholic cocktail bars have emerged in Riyadh, and plans include making alcohol available in a beach resort within the developing Neom megacity.
The move highlights a shift towards diversification and aims to continue to attract foreign tourism.
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