KSA Opens First Liquor Store in 70+ Years, Signaling Liberalization

Saudi Arabia, known for its strict adherence to Islamic laws, has made a significant move by opening a liquor store in Riyadh for the first time in over 70 years. This store, which caters exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats, marks a step in the kingdom’s social liberalization under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince is steering the nation towards becoming a hub for tourism and business, gradually shifting its economic reliance away from oil.

The store’s opening is not without its challenges. Internationally, the Crown Prince faces scrutiny following the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Domestically, the country grapples with balancing these reforms against long-standing conservative Islamic traditions.

Located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the liquor store has been likened to an upscale duty-free shop at an international airport by a diplomat who visited it. The store currently offers a limited selection of liquor, wine, and beer. Customers, required to show diplomatic identification, must also leave their mobile phones in pouches while inside. Purchases are regulated through a mobile app and an allotment system.

Saudi officials have not commented on the store, but its opening aligns with recent reports in Arab News, a state-aligned newspaper. These reports detail new regulations aimed at controlling alcohol sales to diplomats, suggesting a shift in the kingdom’s approach to alcohol importation.

Historically, diplomats in Saudi Arabia could import liquor for use within diplomatic premises. Others turned to bootleggers or home brewing, despite the risks of severe legal consequences, including jail time and public flogging, as outlined by the U.S. State Department.

Islam considers alcohol consumption haram (forbidden), and Saudi Arabia, along with Kuwait and parts of the United Arab Emirates, maintains a strict ban on alcohol. This prohibition dates back to the early 1950s, following an incident involving King Abdulaziz’s son and the murder of a British vice consul.

The embrace of Wahhabism, an ultraconservative Islamic doctrine, further tightened restrictions in the country, with policies like strict gender segregation and a ban on women driving.

However, recent years under Prince Mohammed and King Salman have seen progressive changes, including the opening of movie theaters, lifting the ban on women driving, and hosting music festivals, though political dissent remains heavily penalized.

Looking ahead, there are rumors that the upcoming $500 billion Neom city project might serve alcohol at a beach resort, indicating a potential easing of restrictions. However, the sensitivity around this issue persists, as seen in the swift departure of an official who hinted at the possibility of alcohol in Neom in 2022.