Saudi Arabia Denies Lifting Alcohol Ban for Major Events
A government official confirms the Kingdom has no plans to end its decades-long ban on alcohol.
Saudi Arabia has denied recent international media reports suggesting that the Kingdom is planning to lift its long-enforced ban on alcohol. The statement came in response to speculation that reforms under the Vision 2030 programme could include changes to regulations surrounding the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, particularly for major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2034.
According to a recent report from Reuters, an unnamed Saudi official clarified that the Kingdom's position remains unchanged and that there is no plan to permit the sale or consumption of alcohol. The comment follows a wave of reports that Saudi authorities were preparing to allow alcohol in certain zones or resorts, potentially targeting foreign visitors as part of broader tourism development efforts.
The clarification comes as the Kingdom continues to promote itself as a global investment and tourism hub, hosting major events and developing large-scale projects like NEOM and the Red Sea destination. Alongside this push to attract international visitors, authorities have reiterated that any changes to public policy must align with cultural and religious values.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Key
3 hours ago
- Economic Key
Alaa Mohdar, Five-Star Hajj Mutawwif, Begins Receiving Mina and Arafat
Saudi mutawwif Alaa Al-Din Mohdar, responsible for serving Egyptian pilgrims under the premium (5-star) tourism Hajj program, announced that the process of receiving the designated camps in Mina and Arafat has officially begun. He confirmed that preparations are underway in full compliance with the regulations set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, as well as the guidelines issued by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Mohdar emphasized the strong cooperation between all relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who are working tirelessly to ensure a successful Hajj season and to provide exceptional services to pilgrims. In a media statement, Mohdar revealed that this year's camps will feature pleasant surprises for pilgrims, including the introduction of new technologies and first-time services that mark a significant advancement in the field of mutawwif services and pilgrim care. These efforts align with the directives of the Saudi government and its commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of the guests of Allah. He noted that these initiatives are being closely monitored around the clock by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with relevant Egyptian entities responsible for the 5-star Hajj category — particularly the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Chamber of Tourism Companies. Mohdar also mentioned that several coordination meetings have been held between the Egyptian Chamber of Tourism Companies, Saudi service providers, and support centers, with the goal of ensuring the highest standard of service for Egyptian pilgrims. 'During these meetings, all concerns were addressed, and efforts were aligned to provide reliable catering, accommodation, and transportation services — ensuring a safe and successful Hajj season for Egyptian pilgrims,' he said. He concluded by extending his gratitude to all parties supporting pilgrim services, particularly the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. He also praised the collaboration between Egyptian tourism companies and Saudi service providers, stating that this partnership is a strong indicator of an outstanding and successful Hajj season for Egyptian pilgrims — especially those in the premium (5-star) programs. تم نسخ الرابط
See - Sada Elbalad
4 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Historic Visit: Saudi FM to Lead Arab Delegation to Ramallah for 1st Time Since 1967
Nada Mustafa The Vice President of the Palestinian Authority, Hussein Al-Sheikh, told CNN that an Arab ministerial delegation headed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan will arrive in the West Bank city of Ramallah tomorrow to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The visit marks the first of its kind since 1967. The visit comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman continues his push for international recognition of a Palestinian state. Palestinian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mazen Ghoneim, told the Saudi state-run 'Al-Ikhbariya' TV channel that 'other countries' will also be sending their foreign ministers to take part in the visit. 'Al-Ikhbariya' quoted Ghoneim as saying: 'The ministerial visit sends a clear message that the Palestinian cause remains central to Arabs and Muslims.' The Palestinian Authority confirmed that a meeting of Arab foreign ministers will take place on Sunday, though it did not specify who will be in attendance. An informed Israeli source told CNN that Israeli authorities have been notified of the upcoming visit. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Egypt Independent
5 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
US to impose sanctions on Sudan after finding government used chemical weapons
(Reuters) – The United States said on Thursday it would impose sanctions on Sudan after determining that its government used chemical weapons in 2024 during the army's conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a charge the army denied. Measures against Sudan will include limits on US exports and US government lines of credit and will take effect around June 6, after Congress was notified on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. 'The United States calls on the Government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations under the CWC,' Bruce said, referring to the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty banning the use of such weapons. In a statement, Sudan rejected the move, and described the allegations as false. 'This interference, which lacks any moral or legal basis, deprives Washington of what is left of its credibility and closes the door to any influence in Sudan,' government spokesperson Khalid al-Eisir said on Friday. The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 from a power struggle between the army and the RSF, unleashing waves of ethnic violence, creating the world's worst humanitarian crisis and plunging several areas into famine. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and about 13 million displaced. Washington in January imposed sanctions on army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of choosing war over negotiations to bring an end to the conflict. The US has also determined members of the RSF and allied militias committed genocide and imposed sanctions on some of the group's leadership, including RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. The New York Times reported in January, citing four senior US officials, that the Sudanese army had used chemical weapons at least twice during the conflict, deploying the weapons in remote areas of the country. Two officials briefed on the matter said the chemical weapons appeared to use chlorine gas, which can cause lasting damage to human tissue, the New York Times reported at the time. Bruce's statement said the US had formally determined on April 24 under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 that the government of Sudan used chemical weapons last year, but did not specify what weapons were used, precisely when or where. 'The United States remains fully committed to hold to account those responsible for contributing to chemical weapons proliferation,' Bruce said. 'The intention here is to distract from the recent campaign in Congress against the UAE,' a Sudanese diplomatic source said. The source said the US could have gone to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to investigate the claims and neglected to do so. Sudan's government is aligned with the army. It cut diplomatic relations with the UAE this month, saying the Gulf power was aiding the RSF with supplies of advanced weaponry in the devastating conflict that broke out following disagreements over the integration of the two forces. The UAE has denied the allegations and says it supports humanitarian and peace efforts. US congressional Democrats sought last Thursday to block arms sales to the United Arab Emirates over its alleged involvement in the war. Sudan said this week that the United Arab Emirates was responsible for an attack on Port Sudan this month, accusing the Gulf state for the first time of direct military intervention in the war. The UAE denied the allegations in a statement and said it condemned the attack.
