Saudi Arabia Unveils Plan for First Alcohol Store 😮
Channel: Atheist Republic
Date: 2024-02-19

Saudi Arabia is set to open its first alcohol store in Riyadh, a groundbreaking move aimed exclusively at non-Muslim diplomats. This decision marks a significant shift in the ultraconservative Islamic kingdom, reflecting Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy beyond oil and to liberalize certain aspects of Saudi society. The store, located in the Diplomatic Quarter, will require customers to register via a mobile app and receive clearance from the foreign ministry. Despite the kingdom's strict prohibition of alcohol, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, or deportation for expatriates, this initiative indicates a nuanced approach to international diplomacy and business. The Saudi government's recent regulations on alcoholic imports for diplomatic missions aim to curb the black market while ensuring access within specified quotas, signifying a cautious yet transformative step in the country's reformative journey under Bin Salman's leadership.

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