Alcohol restrictions in Saudi Arabia are not being lifted, affirms Saudi official.
Saudi Arabia Denies Reports of Lifting Alcohol Ban
Dubai, UAE - Contradicting media reports, a Saudi official disavowed claims that the kingdom, birthplace of Islam, will repeal its 73-year-old prohibition on alcohol. The allegations were initially circulated by some international media outlets following their coverage of a wine blog last week, which proposed that authorities might allow alcohol sales in tourist locales as a preparation for the 2034 World Cup. Neither the wine blog nor other sources cited offer concrete evidence.
The once rigidly conservative kingdom has shown signs of liberalizing policies to attract tourists and international businesses, aiming to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil. While alcohol is currently prohibited, citizens and foreigners have gained the liberty to participate in previously unimaginable activities within the Gulf country - from dancing at desert raves to attending fashion shows or visiting cinemas.
Nonetheless, amidst the online debate prompted by these alcohol rules, some residents of Saudi Arabia, who also hold the king as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Mecca and Medina - considered Islam's most revered places, expressed concern over the report.
Despite speculation regarding modifications in alcohol policy, the Saudi Arabian government has reiterated that the long-standing ban on alcohol remains in effect. Rumors suggesting that the ban will be lifted in 2026 or changed to allow controlled sales in select tourist zones and luxury hotels are unfounded.
Reports of a potential relaxation of the ban mentioned limitations on alcohol sales, including beer, wine, and cider, with license requirements and trained personnel overseeing distribution. However, these suggestions have not been formally confirmed by the Saudi government.
While there has been a restricted exception, such as the opening of a licensed liquor store in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter in January 2024, exclusively accessible to non-Muslim diplomats, this does not necessarily indicate a broader easing of the alcohol ban. In summary, the Saudi Arabian government has not affirmed any intentions to lift the ban on alcohol in tourist settings for the 2034 World Cup.
The index of ongoing political discussions in Saudi Arabia includes the topic of potential alterations in the alcohol policy, but these speculations have not been confirmed by any concrete evidence or official statement from the Saudi government. In the realm of general news, the debate over reports suggesting a potential relaxation of the alcohol ban in select tourist zones and luxury hotels remains unresolved.
