Saudi opens first alcohol store for diplomats in move seen as necessary for societal change: BBC report

Saudi Arabia has taken a major step with the opening of an alcohol store catering to diplomats – breaking of a 70-year-long national ban on alcohol.

BBC spoke to Kristian Ulrichsen, who explores economic trends in the Middle East and works for Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy in Texas, in the U.S.

“Key elements of Vision 2030 are tourism, entertainment, and hospitality. And Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince, has set very ambitious targets of attracting more than 100 million visits a year by 2030.” he says.

Ulrichsen points at the necessity of societal shifts to accommodate the influx of visitors and residents essential for the success of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious development projects.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia is in competition with Dubai, which is why this latest move mirrors similar actions taken by UAE to maintain an advantage in the region.

“The Saudi move is very controlled,” Ulrichsen adds.

Starting with controlled enclaves before possibly expanding access to alcohol in designated areas or larger projects over time, he explains.

While access in larger society remains limited for now, future developments, such as the planned mid-2020s offshore island projects in the Red Sea, may see increased availability as public acceptance grows.