 "Saudi Arabia is thinking to revoke alcohol ban. Image: Reuters")
Saudi Arabia could be preparing for a major change ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. According to reports, the Kingdom is planning to allow alcohol sales for the first time in over 70 years. Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia may partially lift its alcohol ban in 2026 as the country gets ready to host global events including Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.
Saudi Arabia looking to revoke alcohol ban?
According to The Economic Times, alcohol might be available in a very controlled way at specific locations, accessible only at high-end hotels, resorts, and other tourist spots. About 600 licensed places may reportedly get permission to serve drinks. But even if the ban is lifted, it won’t be for everyone as local people will still be barred from drinking.
Only lighter drinks like beer, wine, and cider would be allowed if the ban is revoked, suggested the report. Stronger alcohol like spirits and hard liquors will still be banned. Despite these reports, MailOnline on Monday reported that a Saudi government spokesperson has denied that the country has plans to relax its alcohol laws.
In fact, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, had earlier said that alcohol would still be banned during the 2034 World Cup as it is not part of their culture. This disappointed a lot of fans, especially from England and other European countries, where drinking and watching sports is a big part of their routine.
“Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else. It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come,” he was quoted as saying by LBC Radio.
However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has already introduced reforms to modernise Saudi Arabia. Last year, the kingdom opened its first alcohol store in Riyadh but only for non-Muslim diplomats. Before that, alcohol was only available through diplomatic mail or the black market.
This suggests that Saudi Arabia may go the Qatar way before the next World Cup. Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup, where it served alcohol despite being a Muslim country. Initially, reports had claimed that Qatar will not serve alcohol to fans travelling for the event but the government decided otherwise.