Saudi Arabia has recently made a historic shift by lifting a seventy-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol. The change is reflected in the opening of a drinks shop in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, exclusively catering to non-Muslim envoys. This move aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, aiming to modernize the kingdom and reduce dependence on oil.
At the newly inaugurated off-license in Riyadh, diplomats with valid passports can register to purchase fixed quantities of spirits, wine, and beer. The initiative also aims to curb the unauthorized practice of smuggling alcohol in diplomatic pouches. However, the alcohol ban remains in place for Saudi citizens, Muslim and non-Muslim non-diplomatic foreigners, who can still obtain alcohol in neighboring countries.
While possessing and consuming alcohol in Saudi Arabia is a criminal offense, foreign contractors have historically produced and consumed illicit beverages within their compounds. The ban was officially instituted in 1952 after an incident involving the intoxicated son of the king resulted in the death of a British vice consul.
There is potential for further relaxation of the alcohol ban for non-diplomatic non-Muslims, mirroring policies in Dubai and Qatar. These regions allow alcohol in hotels, restaurants, and bars, and non-Muslims can purchase alcoholic drinks at licensed shops. The recent reforms in Saudi Arabia, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, began in 2017-2018 with changes such as curbing the religious police, allowing concerts, opening cinemas, and permitting women to drive. These transformations were accompanied by a crackdown on ultraconservative opponents and liberal critics, including the infamous murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Despite international condemnation, the crown prince has sought to reshape the kingdom’s image through various diplomatic engagements.