In a country where there are such strict laws regarding drinking alcohol that if caught, the punishment is hundreds of lashes on the back, deportation or even jail.
That Islamic country is preparing to open its first liquor store.
This store will be opened in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It is being opened especially for non-Muslim diplomats.
News agency Reuters has not confirmed whether other non-Muslim migrants will also be able to shop through this or not. But, based on the documents, people will have to register through mobile app to get liquor from the shop, get clearance code from the Ministry of External Affairs and will also get monthly quota of liquor.
The move is seen as a milestone in efforts by the kingdom, led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to boost tourism and business in the ultra-conservative Muslim country, as drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam.
The document obtained by Reuters states that this liquor store will be opened in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh. Where embassies and diplomats live.
It is unclear whether other non-Muslim immigrants will be allowed to shop at liquor stores. There are millions of expatriates living in Saudi Arabia but most of them are Muslim workers from Asia and Egypt.
A source familiar with the plans said the store is expected to open in the coming weeks.
strict law on liquor
Let us tell you that there are strict laws against drinking alcohol in Saudi Arabia. If caught, there is a provision of punishment of hundreds of lashes, exile, fine or imprisonment.
This law punished not only the people of the country but also the migrants. As part of subsequent reforms, the country’s government replaced the punishment of flogging with prison terms.
The Saudi government has not commented on the matter, but state-controlled media have reported that the government is imposing new restrictions on alcohol coming from abroad for diplomats, which could increase demand for new stores.
It is noteworthy that along with the strengthening of Prince Mohammed’s grip on power, many changes have also taken place in Saudi Arabia. These include opening the country to non-religious tourism, concerts and allowing women to drive.
The Saudi Arabian government’s ambitious plans also include developing local industries and logistics centers by 2030. It aims to bring hundreds of thousands of jobs to Saudi citizens.