Saudi Arabia is indeed planning to open its first licensed alcohol store, catering specifically to non-Muslim diplomats and foreign residents residing in the kingdom. This marks a significant shift in the country’s policies regarding alcohol. Alcohol has been strictly prohibited for Muslim citizens and residents since 1952.
Saudi Arabia is making a big change by opening its first alcohol store in more than 70 years. The shop will be in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter and will only serve a specific group of non-Muslim expatriates, mainly diplomatic staff. This decision aims to stop the illegal trade of alcohol, which has been happening despite strict laws against it since 1952.
The ban on alcohol began after a sad incident in 1951. One of King Abdulaziz’s sons shot and killed a British diplomat named Cyril Ousman. Since then, bringing in or drinking alcohol has been strictly forbidden. It comes with serious consequences like fines, jail time, public flogging, and deportation for unauthorized foreigners.
The new shop plans to control the sale of alcohol by allowing diplomatic staff to buy limited amounts legally. This is part of a bigger plan called “Vision 2030,” led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to make Saudi society more open.
The shop will have some rules, like registration and clearance for customers. You must be over 21 years old, dress appropriately, and can’t send someone else to buy for them. There will also be monthly limits on how much alcohol can be bought. The store will use a points system, with one liter of spirits equal to six points, wine to three points, and beer to one point.
Other Gulf Countries
Even though this shop shows a change in Saudi Arabia’s alcohol rules, it’s still only for diplomatic staff. Regular people without diplomatic privileges won’t be able to buy alcohol there. The government wants to keep upholding Islamic principles and has no plans to allow alcohol sales to the general public.
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While Saudi Arabia is making this significant move, other Gulf states have similar alcohol rules. However, countries like the UAE and Qatar allow alcohol sales to non-Muslims in specific places like hotels, clubs, and bars. Saudi Arabia isn’t thinking about doing the same right now.
The expected opening of the alcohol shop in a few weeks is a big change in how Saudi Arabia deals with alcohol. It is showing ongoing efforts to modernize and diversify the country.