Latest news with #FIFAWorldCup2034
CairoScene
6 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
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.
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First Post
7 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Saudi Arabia may ease alcohol ban ahead of 2034 World Cup but with strict rules
Saudi Arabia may lift its 70-year alcohol ban in 2026 ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup and Expo 2030. Reports suggest limited alcohol sales at select tourist spots will be allowed. However, there is still no official confirmation on this with government people denying any change in law. read more 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. More from Football '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.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year-old alcohol ban: Here's what you need to know
Saudi Arabia is poised to lift its 73-year alcohol ban in 2026, permitting controlled sales in select locations like luxury hotels and tourist spots. This significant shift, driven by preparations for Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, will limit sales to beer, wine, and cider. Strict licensing and trained staff will oversee distribution, aligning with Saudi customs. Change is the only constant. And if you think that these are mere words of wisdom, it's time to head to Saudi Arabia to experience it, as as the authorities will now allow the controlled sale and consumption of alcohol in 2026. The change is part of the country's preparations for international events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. As per reports, the country is all set to remove the 73-year-old alcohol ban since 1952, keeping the global events in mind. It is reported that the sale will be limited to certain areas, which will include luxury hotels, resorts, and other tourist places, along with 600 places around Saudi Arabia. It has been reported that only beer, wine, and cider will be allowed at these places and strong alcoholic drinks will be strictly prohibited. Also, the government will not allow alcohol in homes, shops, and other public places, states a report by Economic Times. The strict licensing rules for alcohol sale states that only licensed venues and trained staff will be allowed to serve alcohol. And these rules are being defined to match the country's customs and standards. What do you think of this change in beverage consumption in Saudi Arabia? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock Can't eat your food without snapping a picture first? Join our Food Photography Contest and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! Click HERE for details. Join our WhatsApp Food Community to discover delicious recipes, enjoy fascinating food stories, and stay updated with the latest food news! Click here One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
News18
7 days ago
- Business
- News18
Saudi Arabia To Lift Decades-Old Alcohol Ban Ahead Of 2034 FIFA World Cup
Last Updated: The sales of wine, beer, and cider will be limited to 600 licensed locations across the country, including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and expat-friendly compounds. In a historic move, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is planning to lift 73-year-old ban and allow the controlled sale and consumption of alcohol in 2026. The change is part of the country's preparations for hosting international events, including the Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. Saudi authorities believe allowing alcohol at certain tourist sites would help the country compete with the UAE and Bahrain, where alcohol is allowed at some tourist hotspots. As per the media reports, the sales of wine, beer, and cider will be limited to 600 licensed locations across the country, including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and expat-friendly compounds like Neom, Sindalah Island, and the Red Sea Project. What Drinks Would Be Allowed? advetisement Permitted locations will be able to serve wine, beer and cider. However, this allowance does not extend to stronger alcoholic drinks, such as spirits. Drinks and liquor with more than 20% alcohol content will remain banned, according to a report by the UK-based Metro, which quoted local Saudi media. The government will not allow alcohol in homes, shops or public places. Personal alcohol production will also remain banned. Additionally, only licensed venues and trained staff will be allowed to serve alcohol. The sale of alcohol will follow fixed procedures, the reports said. Decision Will End 73-Year-Old Ban The alcohol policy is part of Vision 2030. The move will in effect bring to an end Saudi Arabia's 73-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol. The Kingdom aims to expand tourism, entertainment and hospitality with its more-inclusive national plan. Officials believe the change will help create jobs and bring in foreign investment. As per the reports, Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 under Abdulaziz Al Saud with a legal system based on Wahhabi Islam. It followed Sharia law and alcohol was always forbidden, but the actual enforcement and legal ban on alcohol was enforced in 1952. Saudi Arabia, once an ultra-conservative country, is giving up its traditional image and ushering in a new era of openness and modernity under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The country has eased some limitations on women's rights, allowing them to drive, go to athletic events and concerts with men. In 2018, it abolished a ban on cinema and screened 'Black Panther', which marked the historic return of film to the kingdom. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 26, 2025, 16:21 IST
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
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. 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.' The plan is set to roll out in 2026 - eight years before the World Cup kicks off - and comes amid growing pressure to modernise the Kingdom's image. The government added in a statement: 'Sales will only happen under controlled environments, with licensed service staff and clear operational rules in place to make sure alcohol is handled responsibly and respectfully.' Several global hotel chains are already tweaking their blueprints to accommodate booze zones, with tourism bosses eyeing a flood of new jobs and international investment. It comes after Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK had previously said alcohol would be banned when they host the World Cup in 2034, sparking fury among England fans. Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud told LBC radio in February: 'There is no alcohol at all, rather like our weather, it's a dry country. '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.' In Dubai boozing is already legal in tourist zones This struck down suggestions that Saudi Arabia would follow in the footsteps of Qatar, another Muslim country, when they hosted the football tournament in 2022. Supporters there were able to buy alcohol from selected hotels, but not at the stadiums. But now, Saudi insiders hope the new booze policy will silence critics and show the country is ready to party, with limits. Sources say the model is inspired by successful alcohol rollouts in Dubai and Manama, where tight control has boosted tourism and business without trashing tradition. The Kingdom insists this will not be a free-for-all - and anyone caught misusing the system will face swift consequences.
