Saudi Arabia to Open First Alcohol Store in Riyadh

• Saudi Arabia is preparing to open its first alcohol store in Riyadh, catering exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats.
• Located in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, access to the facility will require registration through a mobile app and clearance from the foreign ministry.
• Customers will be subject to monthly quotas for alcohol purchases, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote tourism and business.
• The store will be strictly restricted to non-Muslim individuals and is situated within an area housing various embassies and diplomatic missions.
• While details regarding access for other non-Muslim expatriates are unclear, most expatriates in Saudi Arabia are from Muslim-majority countries.
• The store’s opening is anticipated in the coming weeks, with new regulations aimed at curbing illicit alcohol trade within diplomatic consignments.
• The Saudi government’s Center of International Communication (CIC) clarified that the regulations aim to ensure compliance with international diplomatic conventions.

First Alcohol Store in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia is poised to inaugurate its inaugural first alcohol store in Riyadh, as reported by Reuters and confirmed by sources familiar with the plans.

Is alcohol available in Saudi Arabia?

Located within the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, the facility will be dedicated solely to non-Muslim diplomats. To gain entry, patrons must register via a designated mobile application and acquire a clearance code from the foreign ministry.

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Moreover, customers will be subject to monthly quotas on their alcohol purchases. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing endeavors to bolster tourism and commerce within the Kingdom.

The Riyadh alcohol store is strategically positioned within an enclave housing various embassies and diplomatic missions. Access will be strictly restricted to non-Muslim individuals, as outlined in official documents.

While the details regarding access for other non-Muslim expatriates remain uncertain, it’s noteworthy that the majority of expatriates in Saudi Arabia hail from Muslim-majority nations such as those in Asia and Egypt.

Insiders familiar with the plans anticipate the store’s grand opening in the forthcoming weeks.

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Saudi Government Implements New Alcohol Import Regulations

Additionally, the Saudi government has implemented new regulations concerning alcohol imports within diplomatic consignments. This measure aims to combat the illicit trade of alcohol goods and ensure compliance with international diplomatic norms.

The Center of International Communication (CIC) clarified that these regulations are designed to afford diplomats from non-Muslim embassies access to alcohol products within specified quotas, in accordance with established diplomatic conventions.