Wine Shop: First government contract to open in this country after 72 years

HR Mandi Bhav: Saudi Arabia is preparing to open its first liquor store in the capital Riyadh. This store will be especially for non-Muslim diplomats. In such a situation, common people will not be able to purchase liquor from this store. 

A document states that before making purchases from this alcohol store, customers will have to register through a mobile app. Apart from this, they will also have to obtain a clearance code from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia. Diplomats will also be set a monthly quota for purchasing liquor. More than that cannot be purchased.

Why is Saudi opening liquor shops?

The move to open a liquor shop in Saudi Arabia is being described as historic. Alcohol is banned in Saudi Arabia due to it hosting two of Islam's holiest sites. Forget about selling liquor in the country, common people cannot even consume it. 

The decision to open the liquor shop is being linked to the reform steps of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is believed that through this decision they want to remove the label of ultra-conservative Muslim country on Saudi Arabia, so that tourism and business can be accelerated in the country.

Where will liquor shops open in Riyadh?

The document states that this liquor shop will be located in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, where embassies of many countries are located and foreign diplomats also live there. It was unclear whether other non-Muslim migrants would have access to 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.