Saudi Arabia's exclusive liquor shop: Only one outlet for 35 million, and It's reserved for the elite

Riyadh (The Uttam Hindu): Saudi Arabia is known worldwide for its strict Islamic traditions and laws. In this country with a population of approximately 35 million, the consumption and sale of alcohol has been completely banned, but in recent times, winds of change are being seen there. Amidst all this, the most surprising thing is that there is only one liquor shop in the whole of Saudi Arabia, which is located in the capital Riyadh. However, buying alcohol from this shop is not possible for the common man, because the administration has set very strict and strange rules for it.

According to reports, the doors of this only liquor shop in Riyadh have now been opened to non-Muslim foreign residents, but the conditions for entry can make even the bravest of people sweat. According to the new rules, only those who are financially well-off can buy liquor from here. To purchase from this shop, a person's monthly income must be at least 50,000 riyals (approximately $13,300 or about Rs 11 lakh). The average monthly salary in Saudi Arabia is around 10,250 riyals, which means that an ordinary foreign citizen living there cannot even come near this shop. To enter the shop, customers have to show their income certificate or salary slip.

This shop was opened only last year and initially only foreign diplomats were allowed to purchase alcohol from here. Now, with the relaxation of rules, it has been opened to non-Muslim foreigners who hold Saudi Arabia's 'Premium Residency' status, i.e., the Saudi Green Card. This status is granted to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, or investors who have lived in Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months in the last five years. Previously, customers had to register through a mobile app and only after receiving a clearance code from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they could receive their monthly quota of alcohol.

This change in Saudi Arabia is seen as part of Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision, under which the country is relaxing its strict Islamic rules. Previously, the lifting of the ban on women driving was also part of this change. However, the government is still cautious about the sale of alcohol, restricting it to the very wealthy and elite to prevent widespread social impact.