Saudi Arabia's Alcohol Ban: The Shocking 1951 Incident That Started It All

• Saudi Arabia recently introduced limited, legal alcohol access for non-Muslim diplomats and high-income foreign residents after a 70-year ban.
• The nationwide prohibition originated from a violent incident in 1951 involving Prince Mishari bin Abdulaziz and British Vice-Consul Cyril Ousman.
• An intoxicated Prince Mishari murdered Ousman and wounded his wife, leading to a diplomatic crisis and royal embarrassment.
• King Abdulaziz, outraged, issued a sweeping decree in 1952, banning all import, sale, and consumption of alcohol.
• Despite recent changes for specific groups, alcohol remains illegal for Saudi citizens and Muslims, with strict penalties for violations.

Why It Matters: A 1951 murder by an intoxicated prince led King Abdulaziz to impose Saudi Arabia's strict alcohol ban.