Saudi Arabia is preparing to lift its decades-long ban on alcohol at hundreds of designated sites, as the country pushes to attract tourists and football fans in the run-up to hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
The Kingdom is expected to allow alcohol sales at 600 locations by 2026, ending a 73-year prohibition in specific tourist zones.
According to local media reports, visitors will soon be able to consume wine, beer, and cider in five-star hotels and luxury developments under a tightly regulated licensing scheme.
The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy, attract foreign investment, and boost international tourism.
Officials say the goal is to present Saudi Arabia as a modern and welcoming destination while maintaining its cultural and religious values.
Under the proposed rules, alcohol will only be available at select venues operated by trained staff.
Only beer, wine, and cider will be permitted, while spirits with more than 20% alcohol content will remain banned.
Alcohol consumption will remain illegal in homes, public spaces, and retail outlets, in line with the country’s conservative laws.
A government statement stressed that sales would take place in “controlled environments” with clear operational guidelines to ensure responsible service.
The majority of these licensed locations are expected to be within high-profile development projects such as Neom and the Red Sea Project.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hopes the changes will help Saudi Arabia compete with other Gulf states, such as the UAE and Bahrain, which already allow alcohol in designated areas.
Currently, the UAE permits alcohol sales in hotels, restaurants, and licensed bars, while Bahrain allows limited sales in tourist zones.
Previously, Saudi officials had ruled out alcohol consumption during major events. In a 2023 interview, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK said there would be no alcohol served during the 2034 World Cup.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud told LBC that fans would not be able to buy alcohol in hotels, restaurants or stadiums during the tournament.
“There is no alcohol at all,” he said. “Rather like our weather, it is a dry country.”
He added: “At the moment we do not allow alcohol, but you know, plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.”
That statement appeared to contrast with Qatar’s approach during the 2022 World Cup, where alcohol was allowed in selected hotels but banned at stadiums.
Drinking is typically associated with major football tournaments for many fans, particularly those from the UK.
During Euro 2020, British pubgoers reportedly drank 364 million pints, with 13 million consumed during the final between England and Italy alone.
While alcohol will not be available at stadiums, the gradual rollout of new licensing laws is expected to begin in 2026.
That year also marks Saudi Arabia’s hosting of Expo 2030, a major international exhibition taking place in Riyadh.
The Expo will showcase the Kingdom’s achievements and ambitions as part of its global rebranding effort.
M10News has contacted the Saudi Arabian government for comment.
