Photo credit : Adam Wilson
It is official, dry January is ending a little earlier for diplomats in Saudi Arabia. In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia, known for its conservative stance on alcohol consumption, is witnessing a semi-cultural shift with the opening of its first alcohol store in over 70 years. Since 1952, a prohibition has been in effect, stemming from a obscene incident when one of King Abdulaziz's sons fatally shot a British diplomat under the influence of alcohol. According to current Saudi legislation, penalties for alcohol consumption or possession may encompass fines, imprisonment, public flogging, and deportation for unauthorized foreigners. Despite the restrictions, alcohol has continued to find its way into the kingdom over the years, albeit discreetly. Foreign embassies can legally import alcohol through specific agreements with the Saudi government, and in some instances, individuals have managed to bring alcohol into the kingdom through secure "diplomatic pouches" that are exempt from inspection.
Situated within the Diplomatic Quarter of the capital, the store will exclusively cater to non-Muslim diplomats. This implies that, for the majority of Saudi Arabia's 32 million residents, there will be no immediate change in the status quo. This development prompts contemplation about the delicate balance between tradition and modernization as Saudi Arabia takes a stride into uncharted territory, signifying a noteworthy chapter in the Kingdom's ongoing journey of socio-cultural evolution.
Under the Vision 2030 reform agenda, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and ruler Mohammed bin Salman, endeavors to transform the world's largest crude exporter into a diversified hub for business, sports, and tourism. This strategic vision aims to ensure the Kingdom's prosperity in a future post-oil era.
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