Saudi Arabia wants to allow the opening of an alcohol store for the first time. However, the store in the capital Riyadh will be reserved exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats, people familiar with the plans said on Wednesday.
Customers must register via a mobile app, receive a release code from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and adhere to monthly quotas when making purchases, the newspaper said.
The move is seen as a milestone in the kingdom’s efforts under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to open the ultra-conservative Muslim country to tourism and business.
Shop in the Diplomatic Quarter
The new store, which will open in the coming weeks, is located in Riyadh’s diplomatic district. Foreign embassies are located there and many diplomats live there. Entry should remain “strictly prohibited” for non-Muslims, the document said. It is unclear whether other non-Muslim foreigners in addition to diplomats will also be granted access. Saudi Arabia is home to millions of expats, but most of them are Muslim workers from Asia and Egypt.
Strict laws against alcohol consumption
The country has strict laws against alcohol consumption. Anyone who violates this risks flogging, fines or imprisonment. Foreigners can be deported. As part of the reforms, whippings have now largely been replaced by prison sentences.
Alcohol is currently only available through diplomatic mail or on the black market. State-controlled media reported this week that the government is introducing new restrictions on alcohol imports for diplomatic missions, which could boost demand in the new sector.
The new regulation aims to restrict imports to counter the “improper exchange of specialty goods and alcoholic beverages received by the embassies of non-Muslim countries in Saudi Arabia,” the daily ‘Arab News’ reported. The government did not respond to a request for comment.
Cautious opening to non-religious tourism
Saudi Arabia, isolated for decades, has relaxed some social rules in recent years. Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed is cautiously opening himself up to non-religious tourism or concerts. The country wants to organize the World Cup in 2034. The future concept ‘Vision 2030’ also tries to lead the domestic economy out of its dependence on the oil sector. However, decisive action continues to be taken against dissidents and political rivals.
Source: Krone
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