Danish Raza
Active Member
Saudi Arabia is making a significant stride in expanding its appeal for tourism and business by opening its first alco*hol store in Riyadh, exclusively catering to non-Muslim diplomats. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this move aligns with the broader Vision 2030 plan aimed at diversifying the nation's economy beyond oil dependency.
Located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, the store requires customers to register through a mobile app, obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly purchase quotas. Access will be strictly limited to non-Muslims in accordance with Islamic principles prohibiting alcohol consumption.
While it remains unclear if non-Muslim expatriates beyond diplomats will have access, sources anticipate the store's opening in the coming weeks.
Historically enforcing strict laws against alco*hol consumption, Saudi Arabia has recently seen reforms shifting towards jail sentences instead of corporal punishment.
Until now, access to alcohol was limited to diplomatic channels or the black market. The introduction of this alco*hol store coincides with new regulations restricting alco*hol imports within diplomatic consignments, aiming to curb improper exchanges of special goods and alco*holic beverages.
As Saudi Arabia continues its path of social and economic reforms, including easing gender segregation and allowing women to drive, the introduction of the alcohol store signifies another step toward transforming the nation's conservative image and fostering a more open and diverse society
Located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, the store requires customers to register through a mobile app, obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly purchase quotas. Access will be strictly limited to non-Muslims in accordance with Islamic principles prohibiting alcohol consumption.
While it remains unclear if non-Muslim expatriates beyond diplomats will have access, sources anticipate the store's opening in the coming weeks.
Historically enforcing strict laws against alco*hol consumption, Saudi Arabia has recently seen reforms shifting towards jail sentences instead of corporal punishment.
Until now, access to alcohol was limited to diplomatic channels or the black market. The introduction of this alco*hol store coincides with new regulations restricting alco*hol imports within diplomatic consignments, aiming to curb improper exchanges of special goods and alco*holic beverages.
As Saudi Arabia continues its path of social and economic reforms, including easing gender segregation and allowing women to drive, the introduction of the alcohol store signifies another step toward transforming the nation's conservative image and fostering a more open and diverse society