Available only to non-Muslim diplomats
Store ship ID card – Submit mobile phone
Although limited, the wind of change is eye-catching
The first liquor store appeared in Saudi Arabia, which strictly adhered to Islamic law and remained one of the few ‘alcohol-free countries’ in the world. This is the first time in 72 years that Saudi Arabia has banned alcohol consumption since 1952. There is an assessment that it is part of the ‘Vision 2030’ plan, a reform policy promoted by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with the goals of ‘getting away from oil’ and ‘industrial diversification’.
The Associated Press and others reported on the 24th that a liquor store targeting diplomats from each country has opened in the diplomatic complex in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Only people over the age of 21 and not Muslims can purchase alcohol, and the monthly purchase amount is limited. Those who can purchase are given 240 points per month. Based on 1L of spirits, 6 points are deducted, wine is deducted by 3 points, and beer is deducted by 1 point. The types of alcohol are also limited. For the time being, only some wines, beers, and spirits will be sold.
An anonymous diplomat who visited this store gave an interesting impression of the visit to the Associated Press. He said, “This store was like a high-end liquor store found in duty-free shops at famous airports around the world,” but added, “The store employees asked me to show my diplomatic ID card. “He also told me to put my phone in my bag while I browsed for alcohol,” he said, adding that it wasn’t completely free shopping. This can be interpreted as a measure to prevent alcohol photos taken with mobile phones from being spread externally through social media.
Saudi Arabia is the home of Wahhabism, an Islamic fundamentalist ideology. Nearby Sunni monarchies such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Bahrain have long sold alcohol to non-Muslim foreigners in licensed restaurants and stores, but Saudi Arabia does not allow this. The prohibition against alcohol was so strict that it forced foreign national planes to stop serving alcohol even when it entered their airspace.
Crown Prince Mohammed, who came to power in 2017, is breaking down various taboos one by one in accordance with ‘Vision 2030’, which aims to turn Saudi Arabia into an economic powerhouse by 2030. Accordingly, various repressive measures, including female driving restrictions, which were as strict as prohibition of alcohol, are being abolished. The policy of separating men and women in public places has also been eased significantly. Accordingly, concerts by famous foreign singers are being held and movie theaters are opening one after another.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.