Saudi Arabia has recently opened its first liquor store in over seven decades, exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats, as reported by a diplomat on Wednesday. This move is part of a series of progressive reforms in the kingdom, traditionally known for its strict adherence to conservative Islamic values. The opening of the store in Riyadh is aligned with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to transform Saudi Arabia into a hub for tourism and business, reducing its reliance on oil.
Despite these changes, the kingdom faces challenges, including the Crown Prince’s tarnished international image following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the enduring conservative Islamic customs within the country.
Located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the store, adjacent to a supermarket, resembles a high-end duty-free shop found in major international airports, as described by the anonymous diplomat. It offers a selection of liquor, wine, and a limited variety of beer. Customers, required to show diplomatic ID, must secure their mobile phones in pouches while shopping. An app-based allotment system is used for purchases.
Saudi authorities have not commented on the store. However, its opening aligns with an Arab News report on new regulations for alcohol sales to diplomats in Saudi Arabia, aiming to regulate the import of alcohol.
Traditionally, diplomats have been able to import alcohol for consumption within diplomatic premises. Those without access have resorted to bootleggers or home brewing, despite strict penalties for alcohol consumption in the kingdom, including jail, fines, public floggings, and deportation, as cautioned by the U.S. State Department.
Alcohol consumption is forbidden in Islam, and Saudi Arabia, along with Kuwait and Sharjah in the UAE, remains among the few countries globally to enforce an alcohol ban. The prohibition dates back to the early 1950s under King Abdulaziz, following an incident involving his son.
Saudi Arabia’s strict adherence to Wahhabism, an ultraconservative Islamic doctrine, intensified after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and a militant attack on Mecca’s Grand Mosque. This led to stricter social regulations, including gender segregation and a ban on women driving.
However, under the leadership of Prince Mohammed and King Salman, the kingdom has witnessed significant social changes, such as opening movie theaters, lifting the driving ban for women, and hosting major music festivals, although political dissent remains heavily criminalized.
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As Saudi Arabia advances its ambitious $500 billion Neom city project, there have been speculations about alcohol being available at a beach resort there. However, sensitivities around the topic persist, highlighted by the swift departure of an official from the Neom project after suggesting that alcohol might be permitted.
