Saudi Arabia prepares to open first alcohol store for diplomats

Saudi Arabia is preparing to open its first alcohol store in the capital Riyadh, which will serve exclusively non-Muslim diplomats, according to a source familiar with the plans and a document, Report informs, citing Reuters.

Customers will have to register via a mobile app, get a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and respect monthly quotas with their purchases, said the document, which was seen by Reuters.

The move is a milestone in the kingdom's efforts, led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to open the ultra-conservative Muslim country for tourism and business, as drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam.

Saudi Arabia has strict laws against drinking alcohol, which can be punishable by hundreds of lashes, deportation, fines, or imprisonment, and expatriates also face deportation. As part of the reforms, whipping has largely been replaced by jail sentences.