Saudi Arabia is moving ahead (or behind, depending on your perspective) of Iran and will allow beer and wine (but not drinks exceeding 20 percent alcohol) starting next year, the government announced May 20. The drinks will be available only at about 600 locations, mainly luxury hotels, resorts, tourist hubs and sites where business and cultural events with foreign attendees are held. The decision reflects the success that Bahrain and the UAE have had in attracting tourists since they adopted such rules. The Islamic Republic has launched an effort to beef up the tourism industry, but hasn’t talked about any weakening of the alcohol ban.