Saudi Arabia: Expanding the Frontiers of Tolerance for Non-Muslims
By Zekeri Idakwo
Saudi Arabia is set to make a historical shift in its alcohol policy, opening a shop that will sell alcohol to non-Muslim diplomats for the first time in over 70 years. This move is part of the ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and modernise society. It marks a major change for a nation that has historically been characterised by its strict Islamic laws and conservative culture.
A new store, located in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, is now open for diplomatic staff who have registered via a mobile app and received clearance from the foreign ministry. According to Saudi’s officials, customers will need to follow certain rules, such as wearing proper attire, respecting monthly quotas, and not sending proxies to purchase alcohol on their behalf.
The decision to allow alcohol sales to diplomats is viewed as a way to curb the illicit trade of alcohol that has been smuggled into the country through diplomatic pouches and the black market. It is also seen as a gesture of goodwill towards the international community, as Saudi Arabia looks to boost its image and attract foreign investments and tourism. However, alcohol consumption and possession remain illegal for the general public, with severe punishments for unauthorised foreigners. This will not change with the opening of the new store.
Saudi Arabia’s prohibition on alcohol can be traced back to an incident in 1952, involving a member of the royal family, when one of King Abdulaziz’s sons, while under the influence of alcohol, shot a British diplomat. This incident, combined with the Islamic prohibition of intoxicants, was the catalyst for the country’s ban on alcohol.
However, it’s important to note that some historians and scholars have argued that the ban on alcohol was not absolute in pre-Islamic Arabia or early Islamic times, and that it was a gradual process imposed by later rulers and jurists.
The opening of the alcohol store is the latest in a series of social and cultural reforms implemented in recent years. Under the leadership of the crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban on women driving, allowed cinemas and concerts, and relaxed gender segregation rules. These reforms have been popular among many young Saudis, who see them as a step towards greater freedom and opportunity. However, there has also been resistance from some conservative clerics and citizens who view these changes as a threat to the country’s Islamic identity and values.
The future of alcohol policy in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain, with some speculating that the store could lead to more liberalisation, while others caution that this is unlikely due to religious and legal restrictions.
The opening of the store is symbolic and controversial, reflecting the complexity of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation.
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