In Saudi, alcohol is strictly prohibited. This isn’t like a “dry” campus where you might face minor disciplinary action if caught. If you bring alcohol into the country, have it in your house, or distribute it, you could end up getting lashed or imprisoned. It’s serious.
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Muslims are supposed to abstain from alcohol as part of their religion and Saudi extends that sentiment to everyone within their borders.
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In place of a bar culture, older men congregate in cafes here, reclining on sofas and drinking coffee or juice, enveloped in clouds of shisha smoke as soccer matches play on tv. Younger crowds will gather at trendy cafes or rooftop restaurants where there are an abundance of NA “cocktails” on the menu – mojitos, margaritas, daiquiris. Unfortunately they often cost the same as a regular cocktail in the states. We easily pay $7 for a virgin piña colada. 😬
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People who live on the eastern side of the country need only drive over a bridge to get to Bahrain where they can indulge themselves at bars or liquor stores. Western Saudi doesn’t have that option but, never fear, there is a myriad of nonalcoholic beer options in the grocery. IKEA even sells NA wine and champagne. It’s not good but at least it provides a change of pace from sweet juices and soda.
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Now I can’t say covert consumption of the real stuff doesn’t occur here, but I’m not willing to risk time in Saudi jail for a buzz. I can wait until a trip out of the country to have adult beverages (except for my track record of being pregnant or nursing every time we get a chance to leave 😒).
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In all honesty, we don’t miss alcohol very often. We’re healthier without it and it’s nice not even having the temptation. I wish we could say we save money too, but those darn juice cocktails add up. 💸🍹
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