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SAUDI ARABIA ensures that it will continue to prohibit the sale of liquor or alcohol in duty-free shops located at the arrival gate, such as airports and ports. This was confirmed by the Saudi Arabia Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).
Reporting from the Saudi Gazette, Saturday (01/07), the authorities have stipulated customs rules, requirements and procedures regarding duty-free shops at entry points such as airports, ports and terminals in accordance with applicable law. The authorities will actually encourage sales of local products.
“Tax free shops will provide additional channels for local companies to sell their products, this is done to support the promotion of national products,” ZATCA wrote in a statement.
Currently, duty-free shops are located at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahad International Airport in Dammam and Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina. Authorities are also working to expand the opening of other duty-free shops in terminals, sea and land ports.
Previously, as reported by Arabian Business, the Kingdom was considering allowing the sale of alcohol in duty-free shops at certain airports. Strict requirements will be applied, such as only being available to passengers traveling on designated routes.
The Wall Street Journal also revealed that Saudi Arabia plans to build a luxury beachfront resort in the Neom megaproject, which will feature wine, cocktails and champagne. This place will be the first time to sell alcohol.
Saudi Arabia currently prohibits the consumption and sale of alcohol. If the sale of alcohol is allowed, it will attract foreign tourists and encourage expatriate business people to live and work there. [sources/photo special]
