Saudi Arabia: A Step Towards Opening an Alcohol Store Reserved for Foreign Diplomats
According to a source close to Saudi authorities, Saudi Arabia is considering the opening of its first alcohol retail establishment, exclusively reserved for non-Muslim foreign diplomats. This initiative is part of the country’s Vision 2030 program, aimed at diversifying its economy and reducing dependence on oil revenue.
This future retail point will be established in the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh, an area dedicated to embassies and diplomats. Customers will need to register via a mobile application, obtain a code from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and adhere to monthly quotas for their purchases.
Until now, access to alcohol in Saudi Arabia was limited to diplomatic mail or the black market. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Vision 2030 initiative, signs of easing restrictions are becoming apparent.
Facing the challenge of illegal alcohol trade within diplomatic circles, the Saudi government recently unveiled a revised regulatory framework. This new system aims to strictly monitor the quantities of alcohol entering the kingdom, departing from the previous situation characterized by unregulated alcohol circulation.
Nevertheless, due to the prohibition of alcohol in Islam and Saudi Arabia’s role as the guardian of Islam’s holy sites, this issue remains delicate, blending elements of tradition, reform, and global commitment in determining the kingdom’s future.
It is worth noting that the kingdom has maintained a strict alcohol ban since 1952, accompanied by severe national penalties for alcohol consumption, including fines, imprisonment, public corporal punishment, and deportation for non-citizens.
