Saudi Arabia to open first alcohol store

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

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

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.