Saudi Arabia opens its first liquor store in over 70 years as kingdom further liberalizes

Published January 24, 2024 12:02 PM

By JON GAMBRELL
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — A liquor store has opened in Saudi Arabia for the first time in over 70 years. That’s what a witness told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The move further socially liberalizes the once-ultraconservative kingdom that is home to the holiest sites in Islam. While restricted to non-Muslim diplomats, the liquor store in Riyadh comes as Saudi Arabia’s assertive Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aims to make the kingdom a tourism and business destination as part of ambitious plans to slowly wean its economy away from crude oil.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.