A source close to the matter told the Reuters news agency that Saudi authorities were preparing to open the country’s first liquor store in the capital Riyadh, but only non-Muslim diplomats will be able to buy liquor.
A source familiar with the matter said the store will open in the next few weeks.
Reuters also saw a document detailing plans for the store’s opening.
Future customers of the liquor store need to register via the mobile application, then they will receive the corresponding confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can purchase alcohol from the store according to the quota, the document said.
Saudi Arabia is a conservative Islamic country with strict laws. The possession and consumption of alcohol is currently prohibited in the country.
The goal of the Saudi authorities is to diversify its economic model and reduce the dependence of the Treasury’s revenues on the export of oil and its products. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman therefore also wants to develop the country’s tourism sector.
The new liquor store will be located in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, where the embassy buildings are located. But Muslims have no right to go there. It is not yet clear whether other non-Muslim foreigners will be allowed to enter the store.
2024-01-24 13:49:00
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