An alcohol store has been opened in Saudi Arabia for the first time in 70 years.

Today, January 30, 2024, a historic event took place in Saudi Arabia - the opening of the first alcohol store in Riyadh. This step was made possible thanks to the ambitious plans of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aimed at turning Saudi Arabia into a center of tourism and business.

The store, located in the diplomatic quarter of the capital, is intended exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats. Its interior resembles duty-free shops at international airports, offering a variety of alcoholic beverages, wine and two beers.

To make purchases, customers must present their diplomatic credentials, as well as comply with the rules - a ban on using mobile phones and taking photos inside the store. Nevertheless, there is a convenient system of mobile applications for making purchases.

The opening of the alcohol store coincided with the publication of new rules for the sale of alcohol to non-Muslim diplomats in the state-owned Arab News. This move reflects the desire for diversity in the alcohol trade, previously carried out by diplomats through specialized contractors.

Saudi Arabia remained one of the few countries in the world with a strict ban on alcohol, introduced in the early 1950s. The opening of the store is becoming a symbol of a new era for the country, which is striving to get rid of oil dependence and develop various sectors of the economy.

This important event arouses the interest of tourists, giving them the opportunity to get acquainted with new aspects of Saudi Arabia's culture and traditions. Having opened new horizons, the country continues its path towards modernization and attractiveness to the world community.