Saudi Arabia opens its first-ever alcohol store in Riyadh: sources

Saudi Arabia has reportedly opened its first alcohol store in the capital Riyadh, which will serve exclusively non-Muslim diplomats, Express News Urdu reported on Thursday.

However, the development was not officially confirmed by the Saudi government.

The Kingdom is considered a highly conservative Muslim theocracy, where alcohol has been banned since 1952.

According to Express News, the move is part of wider plans of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman known as Vision 2030 to build a post-oil economy.

As per the rules of the newely opened shop, the venue is only accessible to non-Muslim diplomats, and the authorisation must be validated through an app named 'Diplo'.

No guests or people under age 21 are allowed in the alcohol store, while photography and the use of phones are also prohibited in the bar, the publication said in its report. 

A consultant close to the Kingdom’s royal court, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic, said a shop in a diplomatic enclave is a small step in Kindom’s broader campaign to liberalise Saudi society. 

A Western diplomat, on the condition of anonymity, said that his colleague visited the store which is extremely well stocked.

The country previously lifted the ban on movie theatres, and concerts.