Jan 24, 2024 - 19:57
By cnbc.com

Saudi Arabia opens its first-ever alcohol store — but it's only accessible to a select group

The news, which has not been officially confirmed by the Saudi government, marks a major breakthrough for the highly conservative Muslim theocracy where alcohol has been banned since 1952.
According to a list of store rules seen by CNBC, the venue is only accessible to non-Muslim diplomats, and authorization must be validated through an app called Diplo.
Saudi Arabia has long had a "smuggling problem," with diplomats selling imported alcohol on the black market, sources told CNBC.

Saudi Arabia has opened its first alcohol store in the diplomatic quarter of its capital Riyadh, two sources told CNBC.

The news, which has not been officially confirmed by the Saudi government, marks a major breakthrough for the highly conservative Muslim theocracy where alcohol has been banned since 1952.

According to a list of store rules seen by CNBC, the venue is only accessible to non-Muslim diplomats, and authorization must be validated through an app called Diplo.

No guests or people under the age of 21 are allowed to accompany authorized visitors to the store, photography is strictly prohibited and mobile phones need to be kept in secure "mobile pouches" so as not to be used while in the store. Purchases are also subject to a monthly quota system per registered individual.