Saudi Arabia is set to launch its inaugural alcohol store in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, exclusively catering to non-Muslim diplomats, as reported by Reuters based on information from an insider. Access to the store will require customers to register through a mobile app and acquire a clearance code from the foreign ministry. Additionally, patrons must adhere to monthly alcohol purchase quotas. This strategic move aligns with Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to boost tourism and business in the Kingdom.
Situated in an area housing embassies and diplomats, the Riyadh alcohol store will be "strictly restricted" to non-Muslims. While it's unclear if other non-Muslim expatriates will have access, the majority of expatriates in Saudi Arabia are Muslim workers from countries such as Asia and Egypt.
Insiders anticipate the store's opening in the coming weeks. Additionally, the Saudi government has implemented new restrictions on alcohol imports within diplomatic consignments to counter the illicit trade of alcohol goods and products received by diplomatic missions. The Center of International Communication (CIC) clarified that these regulations aim to ensure diplomats from non-Muslim embassies have access to alcohol products within specified quotas, aligning with international diplomatic conventions.
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