Saudi Arabia is on the verge of relaxing its ban on alcohol consumption in a bid to enhance its tourism potential and attract more international visitors.Kingdom Testing the Waters
The Saudi government recently allowed the opening of a liquor store in Riyadh's al-Sarafat diplomatic quarter for non-Muslim embassy staff, signaling a potential shift in alcohol laws.Red Sea Resorts Leading the Way
Under the Vision 2030 economic diversification programme, upcoming Red Sea island resorts could be granted alcohol licenses, similar to popular holiday destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.Fashion Show Highlights Modernization
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort held a fashion show featuring modest swimwear for women, showcasing a departure from traditional conservative dress codes in the kingdom.New Era of Tourism
Following the introduction of tourist visas in 2019, Saudi Arabia has seen a surge in domestic tourism, with significant investments in the sector propelling growth in entertainment and accommodation activities.Megaprojects Driving Growth
The kingdom's ambitious mega-projects, such as Neom and the upcoming World Expo, aim to draw millions of visitors and boost the tourism sector's contribution to the economy.Future Outlook
While Saudi Arabia is unlikely to fully replicate the UAE's liberal alcohol policies, gradual relaxation of social norms and regulatory frameworks could pave the way for more international tourism opportunities in the kingdom.Economist's Insights
Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia may gradually introduce alcohol availability in designated areas to cater to non-Muslim tourists and expatriates, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and tourism development.