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Saudi Arabia is set to introduce a groundbreaking shift in its strict regulations on alcohol, allowing non-Muslim diplomats to purchase alcoholic beverages for the first time, according to sources familiar with the plan. Previously, diplomats had to import alcohol through diplomatic pouches, but this new initiative marks a departure from the conservative country's conventional norms.
The modified policy will enable alcohol sales exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats, eliminating the need for them to go through the process of importing liquor via sealed official packages. Instead, a designated store within Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, situated west of the city centre and home to various foreign missions and residences, will facilitate these transactions, as revealed in a document obtained by AFP.
Access to the alcohol retail outlet will be restricted to individuals who have registered on a dedicated application known as the Diplo App. The document further outlines the imposition of monthly quotas, indicating a controlled and regulated approach to the sales of alcoholic beverages in this specific context.
This move signifies a notable shift in Saudi Arabia's traditionally stringent stance on alcohol consumption, reflecting a nuanced adjustment in policies within the diplomatic sphere. By allowing non-Muslim diplomats access to alcohol through a designated store, the conservative kingdom is navigating a path that acknowledges the diverse needs of its international diplomatic community while maintaining a level of oversight and regulation.
As Saudi Arabia makes strides in adapting its regulations to evolving diplomatic norms, this development highlights the country's pragmatic approach to meeting the specific requirements of its foreign diplomatic residents in the ever-changing landscape of international relations.
