In a surprising move, Saudi Arabia has opened its first-ever alcohol store in the diplomatic quarter of its capital, Riyadh. The store is accessible to non-Muslim diplomats, marking a significant departure from the country’s long-standing ban on alcohol, which has been in place since 1952.
The decision is seen as a major shift for the highly conservative Muslim kingdom, where alcohol consumption is forbidden under Islamic law, and the local population is predominantly religiously observant. The ban on alcohol was initially imposed after a Saudi prince murdered a British diplomat in a drunken rage, leading to a strict prohibition on alcohol in the country.
Despite the ban, alcohol has continued to flow into the kingdom through various channels. Foreign embassies have been able to import alcohol under specific agreements with the Saudi government, while some have resorted to smuggling alcohol into the country in diplomatic pouches that are not subject to inspection.
This has led to a thriving black market for alcohol in Saudi Arabia, with bottles being sold at exorbitant prices. For example, a one-liter bottle of vodka can fetch between $500 and $600 on the black market, while a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label can go for as much as $1,000 to $2,000. The high demand for alcohol has also led to the emergence of at-home brewing in the kingdom.
The new alcohol store in Riyadh comes with strict regulations aimed at controlling the sale and distribution of alcohol. Entry and shopping at the store require authorization through a special app called Diplo, which is approved by the Saudi Foreign Ministry. Purchases are also subject to a monthly quota system per registered individual.
The Saudi government has stated that the new regulations are designed to counter the illicit trade of alcohol goods and to prevent the diversion of alcohol from diplomatic missions to the black market. The move is part of the country’s broader efforts to modernize its image, attract tourism, and diversify its economy away from oil under the Vision 2030 campaign led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
While the legalization of alcohol outside of diplomatic venues is currently limited to non-Muslim diplomats, some believe that it may eventually be extended to certain areas like hotels or special economic zones. However, the government is likely to proceed cautiously, mindful of not upsetting the country’s predominantly religious population.
Overall, the opening of Saudi Arabia’s first alcohol store marks a significant development in the country’s social and economic landscape, reflecting the ongoing changes and reforms initiated under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership.
(Source: BBC | CNBC | CNN | Forbes)
