Saudi Arabia official denies reports of lifting alcohol ban

Saudi Arabia official denies reports of lifting alcohol ban

Saudi Arabia has been in the spotlight for its reported plans to lift the decades-long alcohol ban at select tourist locations by 2026. The move, aimed at boosting tourism ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup and Expo 2030, has sparked widespread interest and debate. However, the official stance on the matter remains ambiguous.

In an interview with the London Broadcasting Company (LBC), Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, stated that alcohol would not be available at the 2034 World Cup. "At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol," he said, adding that fans are welcome to drink after leaving the country. This stance contradicts earlier reports suggesting that alcohol would be permitted at 600 designated tourist locations, including high-end hotels and luxury resorts [2].

The reported policy shift is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. The plan envisions positioning the country as a major destination for international tourism and investment. However, the official denial by Prince Khalid raises questions about the accuracy of the initial reports and the extent to which the alcohol ban will be relaxed.

The proposed changes would have allowed wine, beer, and cider to be sold at licensed venues, with spirits and beverages with more than 20% alcohol content remaining strictly prohibited. Alcohol sales would have been limited to on-site consumption and would not have been available in public spaces, private homes, or retail outlets. The general ban on alcohol for Saudi citizens and Muslim residents would have remained in place [1].

The policy reversal, if implemented, would have positioned Saudi Arabia as a progressive yet culturally distinct destination, emulating successful models established by neighboring Gulf countries like the UAE and Bahrain. However, the official denial by Prince Khalid indicates that the situation remains fluid and that the alcohol ban may not be lifted as initially reported.

The Kingdom continues to enforce a rigorous legal framework based on Wahhabism, a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam. Producing, importing, or drinking alcohol outside the new tourist guidelines remains illegal and punishable by severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

The ambiguity surrounding the alcohol ban highlights the complex nature of Saudi Arabia's tourism and economic development strategies. As the country prepares for major international events, the balance between cultural preservation and economic growth remains a critical issue.

References:
[1] https://tribune.com.pk/story/2547874/saudi-arabia-to-permit-alcohol-at-600-tourist-sites-ahead-of-world-cup
[2] https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/saudi-arabia-alcohol-world-cup/2025/05/25/id/1212310/