Saudi Arabia is getting ready to launch its first alcohol store in the country’s capital, Riyadh, catering only to non-Muslim diplomats, according to a document and a source familiar with the preparations.
According to the paper,national daily customers will need to register via a mobile app, obtain a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and adhere to monthly purchase limitations.
Since alcohol consumption is prohibited in Islam, the decision marks a significant step in the kingdom’s attempts, spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to open the staunchly conservative Muslim nation for travel and commerce.
It is also part of wider plans known as Vision 2030 to build a post-oil economy.
The new store is located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, a neighbourhood where embassies and diplomats reside, and will be “strictly restricted” to non-Muslims, the document said.
It was unclear if other non-Muslim expatriates will have access to the store. Millions of expatriates live in Saudi Arabia but most of them are Muslim workers from Asia and Egypt.
A source familiar with the plans said the store is expected to open in the coming weeks.
Saudi Arabia has strict laws against drinking alcohol which can be punishable by hundreds of lashes, deportation, fines, or imprisonment and expatriates also face deportation. As part of the reforms, whipping has largely been replaced by jail sentences.
Alcohol has been available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market.
