Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to open its first alcohol store in the capital city of Riyadh, News About Nigeria reports.
This will mark a shift in the country’s policies as it seeks to attract more tourists and business activities.
The store, situated in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, is exclusively intended for non-Muslim diplomats and is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative, Vision 2030, which is aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil.
According to a document seen by Reuters, customers willing to purchase alcohol from the store will need to register via a mobile app, obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly quotas for their purchases.
The move is aligned with the efforts of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernise the ultra-conservative nation and promote tourism and business activities.
The new store is expected to open in the coming weeks and will mark a change from the kingdom’s traditional stance on alcohol, which is strictly prohibited in Islam.
The Diplomatic Quarter, home to embassies and diplomats, will house the store, and access will be ‘strictly restricted’ to non-Muslims.
While millions of expatriates reside in Saudi Arabia, the majority are Muslim workers from Asia and Egypt.
The document did not specify whether other non-Muslim expatriates would have access to the alcohol store.
Saudi Arabia has historically enforced strict laws against alcohol consumption, with penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to public flogging and deportation for foreigners.
The country has already secured hosting rights for Expo 2030 and the World Cup in 2034.
However, the issue of alcohol remains sensitive, given its prohibition in Islam and the country’s custodianship of Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina.
