RIYADH: After opening his brewery in Saudi Arabia, questions have started whether Saudi Crown Prince Salman is heading west.
The Saudi government has not officially confirmed the opening of the bar, but the move marks a significant development for Saudi Arabia, which has banned alcohol since 1952, CNBC reports.
Saudi Arabia has opened its first liquor store in the diplomatic quarter of its capital, Riyadh. According to a list of store rules, the location is only accessible to non-Muslim diplomats and permission can be verified through an app called Diplo. Sources told CNBC that Saudi Arabia has long had problems supplying alcohol to foreigners because diplomats sell imported alcohol on the black market.
According to sources, no guests or persons under the age of 21 are allowed to enter the store accompanied by authorized persons, photography is strictly prohibited and mobile phones are required to be kept in secure “mobile pouches” so that Do not use the phone while in the store. Liquor purchases here are also subject to a registered individual’s monthly quota system.
It should be noted that Saudi Arabia is a progressive country, but in the past few years, many changes have been seen in Saudi Arabia. Observers say that Saudi Arabia is changing rapidly under the leadership of Crown Prince Salman.
Saudi Arabia has seen both social and economic changes since the young Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came to power. Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came to power, the kingdom has seen a series of liberal reforms, including measures such as Saudi Arabia allowing women to drive, movie theaters and concerts, while Prince Salman once again opened a bar. Questions have started regarding the shift towards Western policies.
