The decision has not been officially announced, but word has spread, and long lines of cars and people can now be seen outside the discreet, unmarked store in the diplomatic quarter of the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
The store opened in January last year for non-Muslim diplomats. The new rulebook allows foreign nationals who hold a Premium residence permit, which is granted to foreigners with specialized skills and to investors and entrepreneurs, to purchase.
Saudi Arabia banned alcohol back in the early 1950s. The store is being interpreted as a way to cautiously test the controlled sale of alcohol.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his father, King Salman, are pursuing an ambitious liberalization policy in the country, with the aim of attracting tourism, strengthening international business and reducing economic dependence on oil.
The kingdom, which adheres to Islamic Sharia law, has opened cinemas, allowed women to drive and organized major music festivals. However, political speech and dissent remain strictly criminalized, with the possible death penalty.
Alcohol remains prohibited for the general population.
The owner of the store, which resembles a duty-free shop, has not yet been officially revealed.
Security measures are strict. Every visitor goes through an eligibility check and inspection before entering, phones and cameras are prohibited, and the staff even checks the glasses for possible recording enabled by smart-glasses.
The prices are very high. Diplomats are exempt from tax on purchases, while Premium residence permit holders pay the full price, reports AP.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
