Saudi Arabia Set to Open First Alcohol Store

Saudi Arabia will soon open its first alcohol store in Riyadh exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats. In order to purchase from the store, located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, a customer must register through ab mobile app called Diplo and obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry and comply with the monthly quota limits.

The programme, spearheaded by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, supports the Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify its economy from oil and also promote tourism and business. This is a very significant step due to the strict laws on alcohol consumption in Saudi Arabia, which are punishable by lashes, deportation or fines and also imprisonment. The policy at the new alcohol store regarding service to non-Muslims is a reflection on the societal values in the country.

Though it is still unknown whether other non-Muslim expatriates will be allowed access to the store, the improvement is among the measures that Saudi Arabia has been taking to attract a diverse population. There are millions of expatriates living in the country, mainly Muslim workers, but the store’s focus is exclusively towards non-Muslim diplomats.

The alcohol store, which is located in a neighborhood with embassies and diplomats, is to open within a few weeks. This development coincides with the government’s new restrictions on alcohol imports within diplomatic consignments, aimed at curbing illicit trade. The Centre of International Communication assured that the new regulations respect international diplomatic conventions while ensuring non-Muslim embassies have limited access to alcohol products.

This can be considered a subtle strategy in the broader Saudi Arabia reform, balancing cautions between the culture and law while also creating special spaces for certain populations.