Saudi Arabia to Open Exclusive Alcohol Store for Diplomats

Saudi Arabia is set to open its first liquor store in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter, exclusively serving diplomats and strictly restricted to non-Muslims, marking a significant break from the country's decades-long alcohol prohibition. The move, likely to anger conservative Muslims, comes as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's social reforms, despite public pushback against overturning the 72-year alcohol ban. The ban was initially imposed in 1952 after a fatal incident involving a Saudi prince and a British diplomat, leading to strict penalties for alcohol consumption in the country.