Saudi Arabia is on the verge of introducing its inaugural alcohol store in the capital city of Riyadh, marking a notable milestone in the nation's endeavors to facilitate tourism and business. The store, situated in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, has an exclusive focus on catering to non-Muslim diplomats, requiring customers to register through a mobile app, obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly purchase quotas, according to a document and a source familiar with the plans disclosed on Wednesday.
This initiative, spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aligns with broader strategies outlined in Vision 2030, designed to shift the nation's economic dependence away from oil. Being a strictly conservative Muslim country where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited by Islamic principles, Saudi Arabia is aiming to redefine its image and attract a more diverse range of visitors.
Access to the store will be meticulously restricted to non-Muslims, and its location within the Diplomatic Quarter emphasizes its service primarily for diplomats. However, it remains unclear whether other non-Muslim expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia will also have access to the establishment. While millions of expatriates live in the country, a majority of them are Muslim workers from regions such as Asia and Egypt.
The document emphasized that customers, aside from adhering to registration and clearance procedures, will need to respect monthly purchase limits as part of the stringent guidelines.
Expected to open in the coming weeks, this store is set to alter the landscape of alcohol availability in Saudi Arabia. Historically, the nation had stringent laws against alcohol consumption, enforcing punishments ranging from lashing and fines to deportation and imprisonment. Reforms, including a shift from corporal punishment to jail sentences, have been part of a broader effort to modernize the country.
Previously, access to alcohol in Saudi Arabia was limited to diplomatic mail or the black market. The move to establish a dedicated alcohol store for non-Muslim diplomats comes amid new restrictions on alcohol imports reported this week, targeting diplomatic consignments and aiming to prevent the "improper exchange of special goods and alcoholic beverages" within embassies.
While Saudi Arabia has undergone societal changes in recent years, such as relaxing social codes and granting women the right to drive, the introduction of this alcohol store reflects the continued evolution of the nation's policies, aligning with Vision 2030's multifaceted goals of economic diversification, job creation, and fostering a more inclusive environment.
