Saudi Arabia Denies Media Reports of Alcohol Ban Lift Ahead of 2034 FIFA World Cup

TDT | Manama

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Official Confirms 73-Year Prohibition on Alcohol Remains in Place

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi authorities have categorically denied recent media reports suggesting that the Kingdom is preparing to lift its decades-old ban on alcohol. The clarification came on Monday after Reuters cited a Saudi official who dismissed the claims as false, pointing to state-run media outlets for confirmation.

The speculation originated from an unverified blog post and was later picked up by several international news platforms, sparking widespread online debate across the Kingdom. These reports suggested that Saudi Arabia might allow the regulated sale of alcohol as it gears up to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup—a claim that remains unsubstantiated and without any official source.

Tourism Ambitions Spark Global Curiosity

The rumor gained traction in the context of Saudi Arabia’s sweeping tourism reforms under Vision 2030, an ambitious national roadmap aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil. The Kingdom recently welcomed nearly 100 million visitors, and on Monday, it unveiled a 50-year tourism strategy designed to sustain long-term growth in the sector.

At the heart of this transformation is Tourise, a newly announced platform revealed by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb, set to host its inaugural event, Tourise 2025, from November 11–13 in Riyadh. The event will bring together global stakeholders, including investors, innovators, and policymakers, to shape the future of Saudi tourism.

Alcohol Laws Remain Strict Despite Reforms

While Saudi Arabia has made notable strides in modernization under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the ban on alcohol consumption remains firmly in place, rooted in religious and legal frameworks.

In a limited and controlled move in 2023, the first alcohol store in Riyadh was opened, but it is exclusively accessible to non-Muslim diplomats, according to official statements. The sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol by the general public remain strictly prohibited, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Looking Ahead to the 2034 FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia was officially confirmed as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup in December 2024, after running unopposed in the bidding process. Comparisons have been drawn with Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, where alcohol was only available in designated fan zones and not sold in stadiums.

As the Kingdom prepares to host one of the world’s most watched sporting events, officials have reiterated that any p

olicy changes will be communicated through official channels, urging the public to rely on verified sources and dismiss speculation.