"First Alcohol Store in Over 70 Years to Open in Saudi Arabia, Exclusively for Diplomats"

Saudi Arabia is set to open its first alcohol shop in more than 70 years in Riyadh, exclusively for non-Muslim expat diplomatic staff, as part of the "Vision 2030" initiative to liberalize the country. The shop will have strict limitations, including age restrictions, monthly quotas, and proper attire requirements, and will be located in the Diplomatic Quarter. While this move aims to counter the illicit trade of alcohol, it does not signal a broader relaxation of alcohol laws for ordinary foreigners in the kingdom. The sale of alcohol to non-Muslims is a rare occurrence in the conservative Gulf region, and Saudi Arabia's prohibition on alcohol dates back to 1952, following a fatal incident involving a prince and a British diplomat.