Saudi Arabia Denies Reports of Lifting Alcohol Ban Ahead of World Cup
Saudi officials have refuted recent media claims suggesting that the kingdom plans to relax its longstanding prohibition on alcohol sales in preparation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The reports, which circulated widely, alleged that Saudi Arabia intended to permit alcohol in select tourist zones by 2026. However, an official statement clarified that there are no current plans to alter existing alcohol regulations.
 |
| Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP, File |
The speculation originated from a report on a wine blog, which was subsequently picked up by various international media outlets. These reports posited that the kingdom would allow alcohol sales in designated areas to accommodate international visitors during major events like the World Cup. The Saudi official emphasized that such claims lack substantiation and do not reflect the country’s policies.
Arab News reported that some credible sources said that:
“These claims lack any official confirmation from relevant authorities and do not reflect existing policies or regulations in Saudi Arabia.”
In January 2024, Saudi Arabia opened its first alcohol store in over 70 years, located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. This store is exclusively accessible to non-Muslim diplomats, who must register through a government application and adhere to strict purchase quotas. The move aimed to regulate alcohol access for diplomats and curb black market activities, without extending availability to the general public.
Despite ongoing reforms under the Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and boost tourism, the kingdom maintains its prohibition on alcohol for the broader population. The recent denial underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its cultural and religious values, even as it prepares to host international events.
As the 2034 FIFA World Cup approaches, Saudi Arabia continues to balance modernization efforts with adherence to traditional norms. While the country has implemented various social and economic reforms, the stance on alcohol remains unchanged, reflecting the kingdom’s cautious approach to change.
