Saudi Arabia is stepping into a new era with the opening of its first alcohol store in Riyadh. This landmark decision, as reported by Reuters citing a reliable source, is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism and business.
The store, will be located in the city’s Diplomatic Quarter, will serve non-Muslim diplomats exclusively. To enter, customers will need to register via a mobile app and secure a clearance code from the foreign ministry. They will also have to abide by monthly quotas for their alcohol purchases.
The Riyadh alcohol store is located in an area bustling with embassies and diplomats. As the document outlines, it will be “strictly restricted” to non-Muslims. The accessibility of the store to other non-Muslim expatriates remains unclear, especially considering the majority of expatriates in Saudi Arabia are Muslim workers from countries like Asia and Egypt.
The store’s opening is expected in the coming weeks, according to sources familiar with the plans.
In a related move, the Saudi government has introduced new restrictions on alcohol imports within diplomatic consignments. This measure seeks to curb the illicit trade of alcohol goods and products received by diplomatic missions.
The Center of International Communication (CIC) has further clarified that these regulations will ensure non-Muslim embassy diplomats have access to alcohol products within specified quotas, in line with international diplomatic conventions.