Saudi Arabia is set to open its first-ever alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh. The groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of the ambitious Vision 2030 plan, signals a significant departure from the country’s longstanding prohibition on alcohol consumption in adherence to Islamic principles.
Located in the prestigious Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, the store is poised to serve exclusively non-Muslim diplomats residing in the area, according to a source familiar with the plans and an official document unveiled on Wednesday. To gain access, customers will be required to register through a dedicated mobile app, obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly purchase quotas outlined in the document.
While the store’s strict restrictions limit access solely to non-Muslim diplomats, it remains unclear whether other non-Muslim expatriates in the region will also be granted entry. Saudi Arabia is home to millions of expatriates, primarily comprising Muslim workers from countries such as Asia and Egypt.
The move is seen as a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to open its doors to tourism and business, aligning with the broader goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to transition the nation away from its dependence on oil. The store’s opening comes amidst recent reports of the Saudi government imposing new restrictions on alcohol imports, particularly within diplomatic consignments, potentially driving demand for the newly established store.
Despite the shift in social norms and economic policies, Saudi Arabia maintains stringent laws against alcohol consumption, with the sale of alcohol previously limited to diplomatic mail or the black market. The government has yet to respond to inquiries about the groundbreaking development.
The store is expected to open its doors in the coming weeks, marking another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The country has witnessed a series of reforms in recent years, including the relaxation of social codes, the opening of the nation for non-religious tourism, concerts, women’s right to drive, and a crackdown on dissent and political rivals. Vision 2030 also aims to develop local industries, logistics hubs, and create employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.
