Saudi Arabia denies plan to lift alcohol ban ahead of 2034 World Cup

 A Saudi official denied on Monday media reports saying the kingdom would lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol.

The report, which was picked up by some international media after it appeared on a wine blog last week, said Saudi authorities planned to allow alcohol sales in tourist settings as the country prepares to host the 2034 soccer World Cup. It did not give a source for the information.

The once ultra-conservative kingdom has eased some restrictions to lure tourists and international businesses as part of an ambitious plan to diversify its economy and make itself less dependent on oil.

While alcoholic drinks are still off limits, both Saudis and foreigners can take part in activities that were once unthinkable in the Gulf country - from dancing at desert raves to watching models at fashion shows or going to the cinema.

The report about alcohol rules sparked a vigorous online debate in the kingdom, whose king also holds the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques - Islam's most revered places in Makkah and Madina.

Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, has pushed a series of reforms, which included ending a prohibition on allowing women to drive in 2017, easing some rules on sex segregation in public spaces and reducing the power of the religious police.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol.

A minor move to allow alcoholic drinks to be consumed in the kingdom was the opening of the first alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh, last year serving exclusively non-Muslim diplomats.

Prior to that, alcohol was available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market.

A senior Saudi official on Monday rejected media claims that the kingdom plans to lift its decades-long ban on alcohol, dismissing the reports as unfounded.

The denial follows international coverage of an article posted on a wine-focused blog last week, which suggested that alcohol sales might be allowed in tourist zones as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The blog post did not cite any sources for its claim.

While Saudi Arabia has introduced several reforms to attract tourists and foreign investment under its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, the kingdom continues to enforce strict prohibitions on alcohol for Muslims. The speculation sparked widespread debate online, particularly in light of the country’s religious significance as the home of Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has overseen sweeping social changes in recent years, including lifting the ban on women driving, relaxing gender segregation rules, and curbing the authority of the religious police. However, the alcohol ban remains in place, aligning Saudi Arabia with Kuwait as the only two Gulf nations that fully prohibit alcohol sales.

The only recent development in this area was the opening of a store in Riyadh last year, which serves alcoholic beverages solely to non-Muslim diplomats. Prior to this, alcohol was accessible only through diplomatic channels or the black market.

Saudi Arabia lifts alcohol ban at 600 sites across the country as it hopes to win over tourists

Saudi Arabia will reportedly lift its ban on alcohol at 600 sites next year as the country aims to win over tourists ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2034.

In a shock U-turn, the ultra-conservative nation will allow the sale of wine, beer and cider at licensed venues including luxury hotels, five-star resorts and tourist developments.

But booze will remain banned in public, homes, shops, and fan zones, with spirits off the menu altogether under the Kingdom's strict rules.

The plans form part of the Gulf State's Vision 2030, an initiative to attract tourists and investment in the lead up to hosting major international events, including the World Cup and Expo 2030 

The plans form part of the Gulf State's Vision 2030, an initiative to attract tourists and investment in the lead up to hosting major international events, including the World Cup and Expo 2030.

Officials hope controlled alcohol sales in glamorous areas like Neom, Sindalah Island and the Red Sea Project will help the country compete with Gulf rivals such as the UAE and Bahrain where boozing is already legal in tourist zones.

As per the new alcohol regulations, the venues permitted to sell alcohol will be operated by trained staff under tight licensing conditions.

Drinks and liquor with more than 20 per cent alcohol content will remain banned. 

The goal, authorities said, 'is to welcome the world without losing cultural identity - positioning Saudi Arabia as a progressive, yet respectful player on the global tourism map.'