Saudi Arabia Prepares to Open First Alcohol Store for Diplomats

Reuters reported, citing an informed source and a document, that Saudi Arabia is preparing to open its first alcohol store in Riyadh, the capital of the country, for the use of non-Muslim diplomats. According to the document seen by Reuters, customers must register through a mobile application and receive a clearance code from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and they must also adhere to their monthly quotas. This report marks a milestone in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to open the country to tourism and trade. It is also part of a broader program known as 'Vision 2030' aimed at creating an economy less dependent on oil. This program includes the development of local industries and logistics centers and creating jobs for Saudi citizens. The new store will be located in the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh, an area where embassies and diplomats reside, and will be 'strictly limited' to non-Muslims. Drinking alcohol is prohibited in Islam. Saudi Arabia has strict laws against alcohol consumption, with punishments including hundreds of lashes, fines, or imprisonment; however, as part of reforms, lashings have largely been replaced with prison sentences. Millions of migrants live in Saudi Arabia, mostly Muslim Asian and Egyptian workers, who would face the risk of deportation if they consume alcohol. Until now, alcohol has only been available through diplomatic mail or in the black market. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, January 24, the Saudi government confirmed reports from state media about new restrictions on alcohol imports in diplomatic shipments, stating that these restrictions were imposed to combat the illegal trade of alcoholic products while adhering to international diplomatic conventions. Saudi Arabia, which had been a closed country for several decades, has recently relaxed strict social laws, such as the segregation of men and women in public places and requiring women to wear black clothing or abayas. The Crown Prince's dominance over power has been accompanied by the opening of the country to non-religious tourism, allowing concerts, permitting women to drive, and, of course, suppressing opponents and political rivals.